Internal Medicine

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood, which leads to multiple physiological complications. Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose. Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes. Diabetes patients need to follow healthy diets, be physically active, and monitor their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It can severely impact quality of life and it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. Some types of hypertension can be managed through lifestyle and dietary choices, such as engaging in physical activity, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, and avoiding a high-sodium diet. Lifestyle measures are standard first-line treatment for hypertension, but people with blood pressure over 140 over 90 may need medication. Drugs are usually started one at a time, at a low dose. Eventually, a combination of at least two antihypertensive drugs is usually required.

Pneumonia causes inflammation in air sacs of lungs (Alveoli) which fills up with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and chills. Pneumonia can be diagnosed by blood tests, sputum tests or a bronchoscopy. Few types of pneumonia can be treated by using antibiotics for 1-3 days at home. But in few cases it requires hospitalisation where patient will be given antibiotics through IV line and respiratory or oxygen therapy if required. Few cases of pneumonia can be prevented with the help of vaccination.

Stomach problems affect millions of people. This may include regular occurrences such as indigestion or heartburn or more severe conditions such as gastroenteritis. Heartburn and indigestion may be managed medically with OTC products. However, acute gastritis, ulceration and gastroenteric infections may need multidisciplinary medical intervention.

Dengue fever is a mosquito borne illness and takes upto a week to tide over. Symptoms may include fever along with rash, vomiting, nausea, muscle or joint pain and bleeding. The condition is diagnosed through a specific blood investigation following which the patient is admitted. The primary concern with dengue lies in the bleeding it may cause. Patients are given IV fluids, electrolyte therapy and monitored. If required blood/platelet transfusions are also performed. Following recovery, patients are advised to follow a light diet with plenty of fluids.