Infectionist
Headache, temperature, flu, exacerbation of chronic diseases and a variety of inflammatory processes in the body - all this can be caused by a variety of harmful microorganisms or, as we are known to call them - infections. That's why doctors do not advise us to engage in self-medication during even simple colds. After all, the symptoms of the flu or ARI can "hide" more dangerous diseases and it is necessary to conduct the necessary tests. Therefore, without infectionists, we can not do.
Who is an infectious disease specialist?
Specialty "infectious disease" is deciphered quite simply. He is a specialist in infectious diseases. An expert infectious disease specialist specializes in studying a variety of microorganisms, bacteria, which cause the development of a variety of diseases.
Infectionists study not only the microorganisms themselves, but also the overall picture of the disease. The doctor examines the causes, the main mechanisms of infection development, as well as the methods of its treatment.
This specialist is universal and works with a very wide range of diseases. After all, infections can be in all organs, so the list of symptoms that you can refer to an infectious disease specialist is quite wide.
By the way, it is a good infectiologist who can perfectly advise you about this or that vaccination. The problem of vaccination is now particularly relevant, as vaccines against influenza and other diseases are becoming more popular, but many do not dare to risk because of insufficient information. Infectionist will consult you in this matter and tell about all the risks and benefits of this method of prevention from infections.
When should I contact an infectious disease specialist?
Determine which specialist should contact the patient best can a family doctor or therapist. But nevertheless there are a number of symptoms that can signal that a person suffers from an infectious disease in the initial stage. It is worth noting that some infectious diseases occur very quickly and have minor symptoms. Then the diseases can go to chronic, will not respond well to treatment, and significant complications are also possible. That's why doctors are advised to apply to them even with a slight increase in temperature and a common cold.
The main symptoms with which to consult a doctor with this specialization include temperature increase, the appearance of a variety of rashes and severe migraines.
Also, if you constantly feel tired, exhausted, can not get enough sleep or can not fall asleep at all, you should also consult an infectious disease specialist. Do not forget about the intestines. A sudden change in the normal state of digestion can also signal an infection. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or vice versa, constipation, too, can indicate that it's time for you to see a doctor.
What tests should I take when I contact an infectious disease specialist?
Of course, it is better to prepare in advance for a meeting with a doctor, but you can get directions for tests only after the doctor looks at you and investigates your medical history.
The fact is that the infectious disease specialist at the time of the interview is conducting a questioning of the patient regarding complaints, as well as the first symptoms of the disease. Then the doctor checks the presence of an enlarged lymph node, and also conducts a general examination. And only after that the expert appoints additional studies and analyzes.
The decision to go to an infectious diseases clinic can be spontaneous, so do not worry about preparing for such a hike, and if you see any symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
However, it is best to eat nothing before taking an infectious diseasesist. The optimal time for fasting is 12 hours. Therefore, it is best to go to the doctor in the morning. Also it is necessary to completely exclude all bad habits. It is better not to take any medication, but if you have already taken, say, a pill from a headache - be sure to inform the doctor about it.
What diagnostic methods does the infectionist use?
It is worth noting that you can be referred to an infectious disease specialist after some unforeseen situations, for example, after an animal's bite. Then the doctor interrogates you about the symptoms and feelings, and also prescribes a preventive vaccination. Then the expert notes whether any symptoms of the disease appeared in a day or a week.
On the usual reception, the infectious disease specialist is interested in the main reasons that prompted the patient to visit. It is the "profile of the disease" and appoints additional procedures or the delivery of tests.
Basically, such studies can include a variety of blood tests depending on the pattern of the disease that you described to the doctor. Also, an infectious disease specialist can prescribe a culture for flora and PCR diagnostics.
In private clinics with new equipment, additional research is possible.
After determining the disease, the infectious disease specialist prescribes treatment. By the way, we should not forget that the treatment of infectious diseases is not only the taking of medicines, antibiotics, but also a corresponding diet.
What does the infectionist do?
Infections lie in wait for us everywhere. Even on a brand new toothbrush, after several uses, all kinds of harmful microorganisms swarm. By the way, recently scientists have found out that soap for hands in a bar is the dirtiest thing in the whole house.
Our immunity basically successfully fights against all sorts of microorganisms and bacteria that "attack" our body. But if immunity is not maintained and does not adhere to the basic rules of personal hygiene, he can no longer resist these "attacks". Many of the symptoms of infectious diseases are very similar and it is the infectious disease doctor who "understands" which bacteria and what disease they provoked.
The sphere of activity of the infectious diseasesist can be divided into several parts:
- Infectious diseases of the intestine.
- Infections of the respiratory system.
- Skin infectious diseases.
- Various infectious diseases of the blood.
When contacting an infectious disease specialist, it is important to remember whether you have contacted people who might be infected with infectious diseases, and also prepare your medical card.
What diseases are treated by an infectious disease specialist?
The full list of diseases on which an infectious disease specialist specializes is quite extensive. But, having carried out the analysis of diseases it is possible to single out the most widespread, more precisely those with which we are most often confronted, and as a result also doctors-infectionists.
Such diseases include infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: dysentery, salmonellosis, botulism, ascariasis, trichocephalosis.
"Air" infections: chicken pox, rubella, measles, influenza, etc. And also such diseases as polio, scarlet fever, whooping cough and many others.
The infectious disease doctor's competence also includes more dangerous infectious diseases such as rabies, plague, malaria and typhus. Of course, most often infectious diseases have to face such diseases as influenza and ARI.
Since infections can affect all human organs, an infectious disease specialist can prescribe additional examinations from other specialists, analyzes and crops on the flora. Also, biochemical blood analysis is needed to determine the disease.
Advice of the infectious disease doctor
Many doctors claim that diseases can be avoided if necessary preventive measures are taken. Infectious diseaseists also adhere to this axiom. The experts of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine made a whole list of councils and elementary rules of conduct during unfavorable epidemiological situations.
So, infectious disease experts advise not to be in places where many people gather. In the workplace and at home, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness: do not forget about the wet cleaning and regular airing of the premises. By the way, special attention should be paid to food. The diet should be saturated with vitamins, minerals and "light" ingredients. And alcohol and harmful food from the menu should be excluded. By the way, hiking with colleagues for lunch in a nearby cafe is also worth repealing. During flu epidemics, it is better to take food from home, so you eliminate another risk of "catching" the infection.
Do not neglect gauze masks. They are able to protect not only from the flu, but from more dangerous diseases. However, during the use of masks, you need not forget that they need to be changed every three hours, and you should not walk in them for a long time in the premises.
Infectionists also advise not to disregard the elementary rules of personal hygiene. Wash hands with soap after each visit to the toilet or walk along the street.
Of course, vaccination is considered the best way to prevent dangerous infectious diseases. Infectionists are advised not to neglect this simple and effective way of protecting their health!
Medical expert editor
Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich
Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, Specialty - "General Medicine"
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