Family medicine is the place where most people look for the first line of treatment, only if necessary goes to a specialist. These medical specialists treat a wide range of diseases by age group. So, what are the most common complaints in family medicine?
1. Aches and Pains
Many patients complain that they are in pain, and there are many different reasons for this. The discomfort may be caused by an injury, such as a sprain or tension, a condition such as bursitis or osteoarthritis, or it may be a symptom of another underlying problem. An experienced physician should be able to diagnose the problem depending on the location of the pain, when and how it started, and the general health of the patient.
2. Headaches
Another common complaint is headaches, including migraines. Many problems can cause headaches. A practitioner can diagnose chronic migraines and prescribe medications to relieve painful symptoms. Headaches can also be caused by allergic sensitization or nasal infection, such as sinusitis. An appropriate diagnosis in this situation would be an allergy test to determine if a patient has allergies or antibiotics to treat an infection. If the problem persists, the doctor may suggest an eye examination, MRI or CT scan to rule out neurological problems.
3. Symptoms of cold and flu
Some of the symptoms of cold and flu that doctors usually see in family medicine include chest accumulation, accompanied by cough, fever, pain, fatigue, sore throat and runny nose. As soon as one person is sick, a cold or flu virus or bacteria will usually go around the house. The doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs or antibiotics to reduce the duration of the disease and will recommend plenty of rest and fluids until the patient becomes healthy.
4. Gastric pain
Abdominal pain is another common complaint that general doctors have heard. Abdominal pain may also be present with symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, and may be either acute or chronic. The practitioner will usually treat the symptoms and make recommendations to prevent dehydration. If the pain is severe and persistent, the doctor may conduct tests to determine if the patient has an ulcer or other condition, such as gastritis.
5. Skin diseases
Many patients complain of various skin diseases, from juveniles to the extreme. Some of these disorders can include a rash caused by exposure to irritant, chronic acne, psoriasis, cysts, and irregular or anxiety spots and moles. If the initial treatment was not successful, the doctor may refer the patient to a dermatologist.
