Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan

A fever is a common sign of illness in which a temporary rise in body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C) because of overall response from the body's immune system.

A hematologist helps with anemia. You can consult a hematologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Anemia or blood-related diseases and can help diagnose Anemia, with a blood specialist, for testing or further treatment if needed.

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. The main cause of anemia is a deficiency in one or more essential nutrients needed for the production of red blood cells, specifically iron, folate, or vitamin B12.

• Iron-deficiency
• Vitamin-deficiency
• Chronic diseases
• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain medications
• Bone marrow failure
• Genetic blood disorders
• Chronic infections like HIV

It's important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, or a rapid heartbeat so that the underlying cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be given.

You should see a doctor for Anemia when you or a loved one are experiencing the following symptoms

• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Headaches or dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Irritability or difficulty concentrating
• Chest pain or angina
• Sore or swollen tongue
• Brittle nails
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, or starch (pica)
• Unusual symptoms such as a red or sore tongue, or a smooth, inflamed, or cracked tongue

Your doctor will do a physical examination, take your medical history, and may order some lab tests to evaluate your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels in your blood. Your doctor may also order additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the anemia and to help create an appropriate treatment plan.

Diarrhea, defined as an increase in the frequency or looseness of bowel movements, is a common condition that usually resolves on its own within a few days. However, there are certain situations in which it is important to visit a doctor for diarrhea. These include:

1. Persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
2. Severe abdominal pain or cramping.
3. Blood or mucus in the stool.
4. High fever or signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, or dizziness.
5. Significant weight loss or malnutrition.
6. Symptoms that are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, or a rash.
7. If you are taking medication such as blood thinners, or have any underlying medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor for an evaluation. They will be able to determine the cause of your diarrhea and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Diarrhea is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the main causes of diarrhea include:

1. Gastrointestinal infections: The most common cause of diarrhea is an infection caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite. These types of infections can be contracted through contaminated food or water, or by person-to-person contact.
2. Medications: Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and laxatives.
3. Food intolerances or allergies: Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance can cause diarrhea. Also, some people may have an allergic reaction to certain foods.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.
5. Gastrointestinal disorders: Certain gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional diarrhea can cause chronic diarrhea.
6. Hormonal disorders: Some hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause diarrhea.
7. Malabsorption: In some cases, diarrhea can be caused by malabsorption, which is when the body is unable to absorb certain nutrients from food properly.

It's important to know that diarrhea can have different causes, and sometimes the cause is not clear. A healthcare professional will be able to evaluate your symptoms and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

A Gastroenterologist is best for Diarrhea. You'll likely first seek medical care for Diarrhea from your family doctor or general practitioner. You may be referred to a specialist in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) if your doctor suspects a more advanced case of Diarrhea.

A general physician, also known as a general practitioner (GP) or family medicine physician, is a primary care doctor who provides a wide range of medical services to patients of all ages. They focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic illnesses, as well as preventive care.

Some of the responsibilities of a general physician include:

• Performing physical exams and taking medical histories
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Prescribing medications and providing treatment plans
• Providing counseling on lifestyle changes and preventive care
• Managing chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes
• Performing minor surgical procedures such as suturing and removal of cysts or skin tags
• Coordinating and referring patients to specialists when necessary
• Providing care for multiple comorbidities, which means they have more than one chronic illness.

General physicians often have a broad range of medical knowledge, and they are trained to handle a wide variety of health issues that may affect their patients. They are also equipped to provide care for the whole family, from infants to the elderly, and they can provide continuity of care over time. They play an important role in the primary care system, and many patients establish long-term relationships with their GP.

A general physician, also known as a general practitioner (GP) or family medicine physician, is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage various health issues across multiple body systems. They provide primary care to patients of all ages, which means they can treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Some of the conditions they commonly treat include:

• Acute illnesses such as colds, flu, and infections
• Chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease
• Respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome
• Musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and back pain
• Skin conditions such as eczema and acne
• Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• Women's health issues such as contraception and menopause
• Pediatric health issues such as vaccinations and minor illnesses in children
• Geriatric care and management of multiple comorbidities

General physicians are also trained in preventive medicine, and they often provide screenings and counseling for conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

• They also perform minor surgical procedures such as suturing and removal of cysts or skin tags. They work closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
• It's worth noting that general physicians are not limited to treating only minor illnesses and injuries, they can also manage and treat complex and serious medical conditions.
• However, if the condition is outside their scope of practice or expertise, they will refer the patient to specialists who are better equipped to treat the condition

The terms "general doctor" and "physician" are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different roles or specialties within the medical field.

• A "general doctor" typically refers to a primary care physician who provides general medical care for a wide range of illnesses and conditions. This can include family medicine physicians, general practitioners (GPs), and internists.
• They are often the first point of contact for patients with new or chronic health issues, and they can provide preventive care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and coordinate care with specialists when needed.
• On the other hand, "physician" is a broad term that encompasses all licensed medical doctors, including specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists, and oncologists.
• They are medical doctors who have completed a medical degree and a period of training in a specific medical field. They are trained to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of medical conditions.

In summary, a general doctor is a type of physician who provides general medical care for a wide range of illnesses and conditions, while a physician is a broad term that encompasses all licensed medical doctors, including specialists.