If the symptoms of the patient are of unknown origin and they cannot decide on the type of specialist they should contact, it is recommended to contact a specialist in internal medicine. The internal medicine includes most likely the other medical fields, both in regard to prevention, healing and rehabilitation.

An important part of the examination in the field of internal medicine is the detailed questioning of the patient about existing symptoms, previously diagnosed diseases, occasionally or regularly taken medication, their lifestyle and diseases that occur in the family. It is very important that the patient brings the findings of previous specialists, examination materials and any final reports to the consultation.

After that, the physical examination takes place, in which the specialist examines the colours of the skin and of the visible mucous membranes and palpates the thyroid gland and the lymph nodes. Afterwards he measures the blood pressure, the pulse and listens to the heart and lungs. Finally, an examination of the organs in the abdomen (primarily the liver, spleen, possibly hernia) takes place through palpation and also the sensibility of the abdomen is examined.

Based on the collected information, the doctor can arrange further examinations for an exact diagnosis or can recommend a medical consultation with a specialist.

Internal medicine