One and the same medical profession can have different names, e.g. For example, an otolaryngologist is often referred to as a laryngologist or otolaryngologist. Dentists are often referred to as dentists and dental surgeons. There are many examples. And the common man is sometimes not even aware that there is a fundamental difference in the definition itself. MedAboutMe suggests delving deeper into history and understanding if there is a difference between a dentist, a dentist and a dental surgeon?
- What kind of doctor is an ophthalmologist?
- What an ophthalmologist treats
- One or more?
- dentist
- Ophthalmologist: what does this specialist do?
- Preventive eye examinations at the ophthalmologist
- How is the diagnosis made?
- treatment methods
- When to see a neurologist
- Consultation of a neurologist
- Why is a geriatrician necessary?
- What diseases does a geriatrician treat?
- Who is a Neurological Doctor?
- How is the treatment carried out?
- Reasons for urgent medical treatment include:
- Particular attention should be paid to vision:
- What does the phlebologist treat?
- What does a vascular surgeon do?
What kind of doctor is an ophthalmologist?
Did your eyes get infected? Is your eyesight getting worse? Do you have painful reactions to bright light? Then it's time to see a specialist. An ophthalmologist is an ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and injuries of the eyes and the organs of the visual system (eyelids, lacrimal glands, conjunctiva and orbit). We will talk about what kind of doctor an ophthalmologist is and what he treats in this article.
Ophthalmologists in our country are traditionally called ophthalmologists. What kind of doctor is an ophthalmologist and what are the specifics of his work? Terminologically, 'ophthalmologist' and 'ophthalmologist' are actually synonyms. The word 'oculus' is of Latin origin and means 'eye'. Ophthalmos' also means 'eye', but in ancient Greek. So there is no distinction between these job titles. Starting from the etymology, we can understand what ophthalmologist means - a doctor who treats eye diseases.
In western European countries the term 'ophthalmologist' is used. The Russian clinics are gradually adopting it. It is wrong to think that the ophthalmologist is a different profession. He deals with the same things as an ophthalmologist - he treats the eyes and the organs of the visual system. However, each specialist can have a narrower specialization: there are, for example, ophthalmologists, pediatric ophthalmologists, etc.
What an ophthalmologist treats
To answer the question of what kind of doctor is an ophthalmologist and what he treats, we will list the most common diseases.
3. Refractive disorders - nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism.
6. Retinal diseases (detachment, dystrophy).
8. inflammatory eye diseases (conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconus, etc.).
Many eye problems are caused by diseases in other organs. This means that the ophthalmologist also treats diseases associated with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, difficult pregnancy or childbirth and kidney failure.
One or more?
Many patients simply believe that dentist and dentist are synonyms that stand for a specialty and that there is no difference between these terms. In reality, however, the differences are, one might say, fundamental.
It is no coincidence that many clinics have several practices in which dentists of various specialties can be found: therapists, surgeons, orthopedists, orthodontists, etc. In some clinics work is done in four hands, i.e. there is a treating dentist and an assistant dentist, the dentist or can be a dentist.
dentist
The main difference between a dentist and a dentist is the education and qualifications. Judging by the job description, a dentist is not allowed to perform complex procedures, but in practice it is not uncommon for such specialists to position themselves as jacks of all trades. This is especially the case in remote areas of our country where, due to various circumstances, there are not all the necessary specialists, at least not the 'standard equipment': therapists, surgeons, orthopedists.
In this desperate situation, dentists have to carry out complicated interventions, sometimes with success, as the testimonies of satisfied patients show. But unfortunately this is not always the case. Without the relevant knowledge that dentists acquire at academies/universities, it is difficult to assess the complexity of the situation, prevent the consequences and choose the most appropriate treatment method.
A dentist has only secondary education - a medical school diploma in dentistry. Like dentists, he studies anatomy, the physiology of the jaw and face and its relationship to the whole organism, acquires a superficial knowledge of pathology and learns the simplest dental manipulations. This knowledge is not sufficient for complex dental procedures such as bite repair, dentures, treatment of caries complications and complex or unusual tooth extractions.
Dentists are excellent dental assistants when the treatment is done 'four-handed'. It is also not uncommon for a dentist to perform a self-presentation in the form of what is known as a 'four-handed' presentation. Examination room where detailed examinations, dental tests and any problems in the mouth are carried out: from caries to bite problems. The dentist will also advise where to start treatment and create an initial treatment plan. Often the dentist also acts as a hygienist: removing plaque, preparing the patient for further treatment, education, selection of objects and instruments for oral prophylaxis.
Ophthalmologist: what does this specialist do?
The doctor makes diagnoses, selects local, general, surgical, physiotherapeutic or other treatments, preventive measures for eye and eyelid diseases, means for vision correction.
The list of diseases that the ophthalmologist treats includes
- Refractive disorders: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism;
- Muscular disorders: squinting, drooping upper eyelids, inability to close eyelids, etc;
- Inflammation: barley, conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, scleritis, uveitis, etc;
- Glaucoma, cataracts;
- retinal abnormalities (maculodystrophy, retinal detachment, etc.);
- Injuries to the eye, lacrimal gland, eyelids;
- dry eye syndrome;
- disorders of color perception.
Preventive eye examinations at the ophthalmologist
It is important to visit the ophthalmologist regularly and not wait for unpleasant symptoms to appear. Firstly, some diseases, even serious ones, can pass without symptoms for a while, and only after such examinations can the doctor assess the patient's condition. Secondly, taking into account the patient's work environment, heredity and other factors, the doctor will select methods of prevention in order to prevent the development of the disease in the future.
Particular attention should be paid to preventive examinations for:
- Children (preschoolers and school-age children): The ophthalmologist checks if the eyes are developing properly, if there are any abnormalities and how the eyes are affected by school work, etc.;
- Athlete: Some injuries can cause eye diseases, and it is necessary to identify the pathology in time;
- People with neurological disorders, diabetes and endocrine disorders: A number of diseases have a negative impact on the organs of vision;
- pregnant women: Pregnancy is a heavy burden on the body, including the visual system; the doctor can also decide on the type of delivery;
- People with an unfavorable disposition: The check-ups make it possible to recognize the development of a disease in good time or to delay it through preventive measures;
- People over 45 years old: Age-related changes affect the visual system;
- everyone who spends a lot of time at the computer: This increases eye strain;
- Patients who have undergone eye surgery: It is important to monitor the condition of their eyesight.
During a preventive examination, visual acuity, the condition of the fundus of the eye, eye movement and other indicators are checked to assess the quality of the visual system, identify any abnormalities, recommend treatment and refer you for further diagnosis or to another specialist.
How is the diagnosis made?
The pulmonologist has a wide range of diagnostic methods, which include the analysis of body fluids (blood, sputum) for bacteria and inflammatory markers, as well as tests with visual aids. This includes:
- Radiography and fluoroscopy are two methods of radiological diagnosis. With the former, a static image (photo) of the lungs is created, while with the latter, the organ is irradiated for a short time and the result is transmitted in real time to a screen to assess respiratory function and the distribution of contrast medium in the blood vessels
- Bronchoscopy – endoscopic imaging for viewing the bronchial mucosa from the inside, taking material for examination, injecting drugs
- Computed tomography – cross-sectional examination of organ tissues to look for tumors (abscesses, fibrous cysts, cavities, foci of necrosis or purulent spread, tumors, etc.).
- Functional diagnostics: piconfluometry (measurement of expiratory flow), spirometry (measurement of volume and respiratory rate), spirography, etc.
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- Clinical blood analysis reveals the presence of inflammation (with an increased rate of erythrocyte sedimentation – SLE), an acute or chronic phase of the process (depending on the leukocyte pattern), an allergic reaction (with increased eosinophils), general weakness (decreased hemoglobin or erythrocyte count)
- A sputum swab will help isolate the pathogenic microflora and identify the causative agent, so the most effective antibiotic can be selected.
- Allergy tests determine the spectrum of allergens that cause the disease to worsen.
- Genetic tests can be used to identify mutations such as those that occur in cystic fibrosis.
treatment methods
Based on the results of the examination, the pulmonologist may recommend radical (surgical) or conservative treatment (drugs, devices), a specific regime and diet, or refer the patient to other specialists for further evaluation if the problem is beyond their competence (e.g., .if a tumor is detected or tuberculosis is suspected).
Drug treatment can also vary widely and, depending on the findings and clinical symptoms, can include:
- Antibiotic therapy (for bronchitis and pneumonia of bacterial origin)
- Anti-inflammatory treatment with NSAIDs and steroids (for severe swelling)
- Cough suppressants (to inhibit the cough reflex) or, conversely, expectorants (to increase bronchial secretions).
- Drugs that eliminate bronchospasm and expand the bronchi: adrenomimetics, cholinoblockers, antispasmodics.
- Administration of antiseptics can be done endoscopically or by pleural puncture (in the case of pleurisy, emphysema).
Equipment and instrumental treatment may include:
- Electrophoresis with different drug solutions
- Warming treatments
- Bronchoscopy with antiseptics.
- Pleural puncture (by a thoracic surgeon) to drain fluid or pus, lavage of the pleural cavity with antiseptic solutions, intrathoracic antibiotics
Each prescription is made by a doctor after a thorough examination of each individual case. Many treatments can only be carried out in an inpatient setting, and some diseases require a longer hospital stay.
When to see a neurologist
One of the most common symptoms to see a neurologist for is a headache. They can be the result of overwork, constant stress, increased anxiety, atherosclerosis, microstrokes, etc. It is almost always an ailment that can be solved with painkillers. This approach can have negative consequences, because headaches are a signal from the body that a disease is developing. There are many diseases that can cause headaches. Only a qualified neurologist is able to determine the cause of the disease and select the appropriate treatment.
An appointment with a neurologist should also be made if the following symptoms appear
- Dizziness;
- Weakness;
- occasional blackouts or blurred vision;
- sleep disorders (insomnia, nightmares, sleepwalking);
- Muscle aches;
- impairment of motor coordination;
- trembling gait;
- language impairment
- visual disturbances;
- loss of consciousness;
- single or recurring seizures;
- osteochondrosis;
- cardiovascular diseases.
It is worth visiting a neurologist as a preventive measure when exposed to factors that favor neurological pathologies:
- Frequent stress;
- highly concentrated work;
- bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
- older age (after the age of 60 there is an increased risk of dementia);
- Hereditary predisposition to neurological diseases.
Consultation of a neurologist
During the visit, the neurologist asks about the patient's condition, when the symptoms first appeared, and if they are getting worse. The neurologist then inquires whether the patient's closest relatives have had similar symptoms.
Conducts an external examination to determine if there is asymmetry in the face or other parts of the body. To test the function of the oculomotor nerve, he asks the patient to imitate the movements of the hammer without turning his head. To test the reflexes, he asks the patient to frown, say 'A', or stick out their tongue.
The sensitivity of the face is tested with a needle. To determine muscle tone and muscle strength, the doctor asks the patient to shake their hand while resisting an elbow flexion test. The deep reflexes of the arms and legs are checked by hitting the tendons with a hammer. The superficial reflexes are tested by pricking the skin of the anterior abdominal wall with a needle.
Examination of the deep muscles and joints on the patient with the eyes closed. The doctor guides the patient's finger in different directions and asks him to name exactly in which direction he is doing this. Drawing different shapes, numbers, or letters on the skin of the patient's back can help determine the condition of the perineural pain points and spinal nerves.
The patient assumes the Romberg pose so that the physician can check motor coordination. He stands with feet together, arms outstretched and eyes closed. The neurologist asks the patient to slowly and sequentially bring the index finger of each hand up to the nose. During this examination, the person should not rock back and forth. To assess memory, the doctor may ask the person being examined specific questions about counting or knowing dates.
Why is a geriatrician necessary?
Why should such patients be better examined and treated by a specialist in age-related diseases? There are mutliple reasons for this. First, they usually suffer from several diseases at once, on average from 5 to 8 or even more. Second, they also exhibit manifestations of the aging process itself. These are called geriatric syndromes and there are more than 60 of them. The most common include a decrease in memory and muscle mass. Because of this, special considerations need to be made when prescribing medications and applying treatments.
The geriatrician must first determine the treatment strategy: which diseases should be treated first, which should be treated afterwards and which should not be treated at all. If there are many of them, it can even be dangerous to treat all diseases at once. This can affect quality of life and prognosis. It is important to carefully assess how active and independent the patient is.
What diseases does a geriatrician treat?
All age-related diseases, while it is worth emphasizing that a geriatrician usually does not only treat the disease, but deals with the entire spectrum of problems that accompany age-related changes. The most common diseases he deals with in his practice include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
There are two ways. The first is when the patient is referred by their district doctor. The second is when the patient can see a geriatrician of their own accord.
The age limit for treatment by a geriatrician is 60 years. These patients can take preventive measures to reduce the risk of geriatric problems in the future. However, the treatment is most commonly sought by people over the age of 70. However, such treatment depends not only on age, but also on the patient's condition – the presence of various comorbidities and other signs of aging already mentioned above.
Who is a Neurological Doctor?
Neurologist is an outdated term for a specialty. In modern neurology and medical settings, the term is less common and it is difficult to find the term 'neurologist' in a doctor's office. The term is more likely to be used by the patients themselves, especially those who lived in the distant Soviet Union. There is no difference between a neurologist and a neurologist, especially when the patient is experiencing symptoms related to damage to the spinal cord or brain. In such a case, the most important thing is to find a good specialist who can help diagnose the disease and provide the appropriate treatment.
The ambulance in Belomorska has a neurologist (neurologist) of the highest category with extensive experience. He offers a wide range of services in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases of the central nervous system. In the clinic, the patient has the opportunity to be examined with high-quality equipment and receive individual treatment.
How is the treatment carried out?
The initial consultation consists of an anamnesis and a review of the patient's medical history. During the conversation, the doctor assesses the adult or child's brain function: language, memory, and attention. He inquires about the symptoms, their severity, type and location and performs various tests for concentration, memory and reflexes.
Since the tests do not give a complete clinical picture, the doctor orders a series of tests:
The results of these tests form the basis for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment of neurological pathology is usually conservative, and only if the disease is neglected, drug treatment is unsuccessful, or an oncological disease is diagnosed, the patient may need surgery, the help of a neurosurgeon or doctors of other medical disciplines.
In the Belomorska Clinic, patients in the neurological department receive only high-quality services aimed at speedy recovery. The complex often includes medication, physiotherapy and rehabilitation measures. This treatment approach significantly accelerates recovery, improves patients' quality of life and reduces the risk of relapse.
Reasons for urgent medical treatment include:
- blurred vision; blurred vision;
- decreased visual acuity;
- double vision;
- visual distortion of surrounding objects;
- flickering before the eyes; fluid, blurred vision;
- iridescent circles, halos around light sources;
- eye pain;
- redness of the eyes;
- dryness, foreign body sensation under the eyelids;
- Frequent tearing, any kind of discharge from the eye;
- Increased visual fatigue;
- fear of bright light;
- headache, discomfort when wearing glasses;
- Any injury to the eyes, etc.
But it's not just when you're concerned and the symptoms are alarming that you should see a doctor. The danger is that many serious eye diseases that lead to catastrophic low vision and blindness are almost invisible in their early stages! Therefore, anyone who cares about their eyesight should visit a specialized eye clinic regularly and routinely: adults at least once a year, children aged 3-12 months, then aged 3, 5, 7 years, and then annually.
Particular attention should be paid to vision:
- all persons over 45 years of age;
- school-age children, especially in the lower grades;
- People who use computers every day or do heavy visual work;
- people who have undergone eye surgery;
- Women planning pregnancy, with particular attention to high myopia and retinal problems;
- Pregnant women;
- persons diagnosed with diabetes;
- Individuals on long-term hormone therapy;
- people who have blood pressure problems;
- Individuals who have a hereditary predisposition to an eye disease.
It should be clear that the number of people suffering from this or that eye disease is increasing every year. A number of factors in the lives of most modern people contribute to this - long hours at the computer, a mass love of electronic devices, a bad environmental situation. Factors such as lack of sleep and walks in the fresh air, diets with foods lacking vitamins and micronutrients important for healthy eyes also play a negative role.
What does the phlebologist treat?
Patients with vein problems in the lower limbs are sent to this specialist. That's the main difference. It is recommended to see him if symptoms such as:
- swelling of the legs, whether it occurs only in the morning or under certain circumstances;
- bulging, excessive mobility of veins;
- skin showing the symptom of 'stars' or bruising on the body without physical stimulation;
- Severe pain, burning, feeling of heaviness in the legs in the evening without major physical exertion;
- Cramps in the legs (calf area).
The phlebologist often deals with varicose veins, for which various methods of treatment have been developed. He also deals with:
- thrombus formation (thrombophlebitis);
- Venous insufficiency (weak vein walls, vitamin deficiency, poor blood composition);
- trophic ulcers caused by thrombophlebitis;
- valvular defect.
An appointment should be made not only when the disease has already manifested itself, but also to get advice on how to prevent the onset of this dangerous and common disease. Patients over 35 years of age are recommended to have regular examinations for venous and vascular diseases.
What does a vascular surgeon do?
Although these are the same vascular diseases, it would be wrong to say that a phlebologist is a vascular surgeon. This specialist is also known scientifically as an angiosurgeon. Each of these doctors has a special field of work. The difference is that in vascular surgery absolutely all vessels of the human body are operated on: veins, arteries, etc.
The work area of the angiologist therefore includes:
- Damage to vessels, arteries or veins;
- severe stages of varicose veins, when surgical intervention is required;
- coronary heart disease;
- atherosclerotic vascular lesions;
- Anomalies or malformations of a congenital or acquired nature (including in adolescents and children);
- Neoplasms (tumors or hemangiomas) related to the circulatory system;
- aneurysms of the aorta;
- thrombosis with pre-existing thrombus;
- strokes.
The surgeons in this specialty deal with all vascular diseases that affect the normal flow of blood in the body. Their main job is to safely and professionally remove and then repair the damaged section of vein, which allows normal blood flow to be restored in the body. There are cases when, due to trauma, it is necessary to have the damaged parts of a single vessel or vein anastomosed.
Phlebology, on the other hand, deals only with the treatment of venous diseases in the lower limbs. Her primary focus is treatment, not removal. It can be said that angiosurgeons go to patients who are no longer helped by standard therapies and who only need surgery.
When visiting a doctor, a full visual examination for signs of these diseases is carried out and an effective diagnostic system is used to reveal hidden signs of a developing pathology.
These distinctions suggest that angiosurgeons (vascular surgeons) and phlebologists are one and the same. There is even an entire branch of phlebology that deals with venous diseases and their causes and searches for effective treatment options. This branch of science continues to grow today, enabling the development of new devices and medicines that help people with these diseases.
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