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General practitioner
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
Every day we learn more and more new words and even names of medical professions. Until recently, no one had heard of such a general practitioner. Who is he? And in general, few people know why he is needed.
If we speak in terms that are familiar to us, then a general practitioner is a kind of family doctor or therapist who treats the whole family, as well as studies the medical history.
In a few words, we have roughly described the new concept, and now we will consider in more detail the advantage of the appearance of this specialist.
Who is a general practitioner?
It is logical that a general practitioner is a person with medical education. His qualifications allow him to consult with all family members on any issue in the medical field, and he can involve other narrower specialists in the case, and also control the treatment itself.
At the first moment of consultation, the general practitioner thoroughly examines the patient's medical history, and only then prescribes the necessary diagnostics. Then the goal of his work is aimed at reducing or eliminating the likelihood of pathological phenomena to which the patient is prone.
What tests should you take when visiting a general practitioner?
The general practitioner must know the medical history thoroughly, and for this the following tests are necessary:
- general blood and urine analysis,
- submit a stool sample for worm eggs,
- blood test for HIV infection, Wasserman reaction,
- hormonal examinations and ejaculate,
- blood tests, where TORCH infections, ESR, Rh factor, tumor marker, etc. are checked,
- analysis of the urogenital tract,
- gynecologist's tests: cultures for candidiasis, microflora, cytology, sensitivity to antifungal agents, antibiotics, biopsy, aspiration, bacterioscopy.
What diagnostic methods does a general practitioner use?
A general practitioner must clearly see the situation concerning the patient's health, and for this, tests alone are not enough; it is necessary to resort to numerous diagnostic methods, which include:
- ECG, EEG, EchoCG, EchoEG, ultrasound,
- x-ray and fluorography,
- colposcopy, CT, MRI, mammography.
This diagnostic system allows you to see the condition of the respiratory organs, the work of the heart and other organs. This procedure is useful because in this way you can prevent most serious problems, such as a heart attack.
What does a general practitioner do?
A general practitioner includes in his/her responsibilities the treatment of a variety of diseases, which include:
- atherosclerosis,
- oncological pathologies,
- metabolic syndrome,
- excess weight,
- obliterating diseases of the vessels of the lower extremities.
Its task is to identify the presence of probable diseases, as well as the reasons for their occurrence. This also includes the selection of preventive measures in order to prevent the risk of diseases to which there is a tendency, including the patient's genetic predisposition. It should be added that a general practitioner is not just a district doctor, but a specialist who takes part in all issues related to the treatment of certain diseases.
What diseases does a general practitioner treat?
Despite the “broad” title, a general practitioner does not treat all diseases, but monitors and involves other doctors if his competence does not extend to the patient’s existing disease.
Above we have already said that a general practitioner treats oncological pathologies, excess weight, atherosclerosis, and so on.
As for excess weight, here therapy is aimed not only at creating the right diet, but also at determining the factor that caused this condition, especially since extra pounds are a possible disease, such as improper metabolism, hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, mental state, and much more.
When should you see a GP?
A general practitioner will help with all sorts of symptoms, even seemingly insignificant ones, such as a feeling of heaviness or fatigue. Sometimes a block in the cervical vertebrae can provoke headaches that at first glance seem causeless - it is also directly related to vascular spasms that disrupt the outflow of blood from the head.
But this is not the only reason why it is recommended to see a general practitioner. In fact, there are many:
- changes in weight, despite the fact that the diet and lifestyle have not changed. These signs are characteristic of various diseases, such as cancer or nervous system disorders,
- slurred speech, fatigue, paralysis and numbness of the limbs may indicate an impending stroke,
- black stool is a possible ulcer or tumor in the stomach or intestines. The change in stool color in this situation occurs due to internal bleeding, which in itself is a dangerous process,
- meningitis is characterized by headache that spreads to the neck, accompanied by fever,
- When a brain hemorrhage occurs, a debilitating headache occurs.
Your general practitioner can help you with all of these symptoms and more.
Advice from a General Practitioner
A general practitioner advises to follow standard rules that can prolong health, and therefore life itself:
- protect yourself from all sorts of stressful situations, as even the smallest push of negative energy can have a detrimental effect not only on the nervous system, but also on the cardiovascular system. In addition, most diseases arise from nervousness,
- it is necessary to take care of your heart and blood vessels, and for this there is a simple preventive complex consisting of proper nutrition and lifestyle: sports, daily routine, adequate rest,
- Love works wonders. So, love each other and be happy.
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