Board-Certified Adult Emergency Doctors – Internal Medicine Physicians

Adult Medical Emergency Physicians at OnCall Emergency Centers

OnCall Emergency Centers’ Advanced Adult Emergency Care

Internal medicine doctors, also known as internists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. These doctors who are usually board-certified are trained to handle a wide range of adult medical conditions, from common illnesses like the flu to complex chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Here are some key things to know about internal medicine doctors:

They provide Comprehensive Care: Internists focus on providing comprehensive care to adult patients, addressing both physical and mental health concerns. They often serve as primary care physicians, coordinating care with specialists when needed.

They Have Expertise in Adult Medicine: Internists have extensive knowledge of adult diseases and are skilled in managing complex medical conditions. They are also trained in preventive medicine, helping patients maintain good health and avoid illness.

Hospital and Outpatient Care: Internists can provide care in both hospital and outpatient settings. They may manage hospitalized patients with acute illnesses or provide ongoing care for chronic conditions in their offices.

Internal Medicine Subspecialties: Some internists choose to subspecialize in areas like cardiology, endocrinology, or gastroenterology. These doctors have additional training and expertise in specific areas of internal medicine.

If you are an adult looking for a primary care physician or need care for a medical condition, an internal medicine doctor at OnCall Emergency Centers is a good option for you. They are board-certified and experienced in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and help you manage your health over the long term.

What are Adult Diseases?

Some examples of adult diseases include the following.

Chronic Diseases: These are long-lasting conditions that often require ongoing management.

Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases refer to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as:

  • Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries)
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol

Metabolic Diseases: Problems with the body’s chemical processes.

  • Diabetes (Type 2 is more common in adults)
  • Obesity

Respiratory Diseases: These are diseases that affect the lungs and airways. Examples of respiratory diseases inlude the following.

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Asthma (can persist from childhood or develop in adulthood)

Cancer: Uncontrolled cell growth, with many types affecting adults.

  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Affecting bones, joints, and muscles.
  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis is common with age)
  • Osteoporosis (bone weakening)

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health diseases, also known as mental illnesses or mental disorders, are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. They can make it difficult to cope with daily life, maintain relationships, and function at work or school.

Here are some of the major categories of mental health diseases.

Mood Disorders

  • Major Depressive Disorder (Depression): Persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite.
  • Bipolar Disorder: Extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, including manic episodes (highs) and depressive episodes (lows)

Anxiety Disorders

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry and anxiety about various things, often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness and difficulty concentrating.
  • Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear and physical discomfort.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and scrutiny by others.
  • Phobias: Irrational fears of specific objects or situations.

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event; symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, 1 and hyperarousal.

Psychotic Disorders

  • Schizophrenia: Distorted perception of reality, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech.

Personality Disorders

  • Borderline Personality Disorder: Unstable moods, relationships, and self-image; impulsive behaviors.
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder: Disregard for social norms and rules, lack of empathy, manipulative behavior.

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Eating Disorders

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative use).
  • Binge Eating Disorder: Recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time, feeling a loss of control.

Substance Use Disorders

  • Addiction to alcohol, drugs, or other substances: Compulsive use despite negative consequences.

Causes of Mental Health Diseases

  • Biological factors: Genetics, brain chemistry imbalances.
  • Psychological factors: Trauma, stress, negative thought patterns.
  • Environmental factors: Social isolation, poverty, exposure to violence.

Getting Help:
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disease, it’s important to seek help. There are many effective treatments available, including therapy, medication, and support groups. Our doctors are here to provide effective treatment and help guide you towards your goal of recovery.

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Other Common Adult Diseases and Conditions

  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux (GERD)
  • Infectious diseases: Like influenza (flu), pneumonia
  • Skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis
  • Eye diseases: Cataracts, glaucoma
  • Neurological conditions: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease (more common in older adults)

Factors Influencing Adult Diseases

  • Age: Risk for many conditions increases with age.
  • Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use.
  • Genetics: Family history of certain diseases.
  • Environment: Exposure to toxins, pollution.

Prevention and Management of Adult Diseases
Many adult diseases can be prevented or managed with:

  • Healthy lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
  • Regular checkups: Screenings and early detection.
  • Vaccinations: Protection against preventable diseases.
  • Proper management of existing conditions: Medication, therapy, lifestyle changes.

If you are an adult going through health challenges, an internal medicine physician at OnCall Emergency Centers can help. Visit us today to speak with one of our specialists.