An Overview of Important Medical Specialties for Geriatric Care

In the world of medicine, not every doctor treats the same condition. There are numerous specialists that people might visit, particularly as they get older. Therefore, it is important for people to familiarize themselves with some of the most common medical specialties, particularly as it pertains to geriatric health care Bethesda MD.

Cardiology

A cardiologist specializes in taking care of people with heart problems and circulatory conditions. One of the most common medical conditions a cardiologist will manage is called heart failure. Heart failure is defined as the inability of the heart to meet the demands of the body. If the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the demands of the organs, they might struggle to find the oxygen and nutrients they need to properly function. A doctor can manage heart failure, providing medications that can increase the output of the heart.

A cardiologist is also going to manage people who have high blood pressure. If blood pressure is elevated, this increases the chances of someone suffering a serious medical complication, including a heart attack or a stroke. Some of the most common medications that a cardiologist uses to manage high blood pressure include diuretics and beta-blockers.

Pulmonology

Many people will also need the care of a pulmonologist as they age. A pulmonologist specializes in taking care of the lungs. There are a few common conditions that a pulmonologist will manage including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often shortened to COPD. Some people develop a form of COPD called emphysema, which often follows years of smoking. Some people also develop emphysema due to a congenital condition known as alpha-1-antitrypsin disease. People with emphysema might have trouble breathing without the help of certain medications.

In some situations, a pulmonologist will also help people manage lung cancer. Working in conjunction with a trained oncologist, a pulmonologist can take biopsies that are then placed under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. A pulmonologist can also treat a number of other conditions including asthma, restrictive lung disease, and certain congenital conditions.

Find the Right Medical Specialist

These are only a few of the medical specialists that someone might require, particularly as they age. It can be hard for someone to find the right doctor to manage their medical conditions. Therefore, individuals and families need to rely on the help of a trained specialty care provider to make sure they have access to appropriate healthcare.