Private Internal Medicine Clinic
Private Internal Medicine Clinic in Budapest
Internal medicine is one of the most comprehensive and multifaceted branches of medical science, focusing on the functioning, disorders, and prevention of diseases affecting the internal organs of the body. At our private internal medicine clinic in Budapest, we provide patients with thorough examinations, detailed diagnostics, and personalized therapeutic recommendations.
During consultations, we treat every patient not only with specialist-level precision but also with the attentiveness and care characteristic of private general practitioners—whether it’s for prevention, acute complaints, or the management of chronic conditions.
What Does an Internist Do?
An internist is responsible for:
- Preventing pathological changes of internal organs
- Diagnosing internal medical conditions
- Treating such conditions
As one of the key general medical specialists, the internist plays a crucial role in detecting, managing, and preventing diseases—much like a private general practitioner (private GP) . If you are uncertain about your health status, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
When Should You See an Internist?
We recommend scheduling a consultation if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained malaise
- Persistent fatigue, weakness, or lethargy
- High or low blood pressure
- Headaches, dizziness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal complaints (diarrhea, constipation, bloating, heartburn)
- Sudden or gradual changes in body weight
- Swelling or edema of the limbs
- Diabetes- or thyroid-related concerns
- Chronic pain or recurring infections
- For the purpose of focus infection screening
- If you are unable to reach your general practitioner (GP)
Important Symptoms and Their Possible Causes
- Severe chest pain – May indicate heart issues such as a heart attack, angina, or pulmonary embolism. Requires immediate evaluation, as these conditions can be life-threatening.
- High fever – Could signal an infection, inflammation, or other illness. Without treatment, serious complications like dehydration, seizures, or sepsis may develop.
- Persistent fatigue or weakness – May be caused by anemia, thyroid disorders, chronic infections, or vitamin deficiencies, potentially compromising immune function and quality of life.
- Abnormal blood pressure – High blood pressure increases cardiovascular risk; low blood pressure can cause fainting and dizziness. Both require regular monitoring.
- Headache, dizziness – Could stem from migraines, blood pressure issues, diabetes, neurological or ophthalmological conditions. Persistent cases warrant examination.
- Shortness of breath – May indicate cardiac issues, respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, pulmonary embolism), anemia, or panic attacks. Acute cases require urgent care.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – Might be signs of indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, lactose intolerance, or infection. Chronic issues need evaluation.
- Sudden or progressive weight changes – Can be related to thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or digestive disorders. Sudden weight loss must rule out malignancy.
- Swelling or edema – Could indicate heart, kidney, or liver disease. Prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.
- Chronic pain, recurrent infections – May be due to weakened immunity, autoimmune disorders, or hidden infections. Persistent symptoms require thorough investigation.
What Examinations Does an Internist Perform?
An internist conducts comprehensive assessments involving multiple organ systems. Many of these investigations are similar to those provided by private GPs, performed with a patient-centered, calm, and detailed approach.
- Medical history (Anamnesis) – In-depth discussion of symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
- Physical examination – Assessment of general internal health, body condition, and nutritional status. Observation of skin and visible mucous membranes, palpation of the thyroid and lymph nodes. Percussion and auscultation of the chest, lungs, heart; palpation and auscultation of the peripheral and neck arteries, inspection of veins. Blood pressure measurement. Palpation of the liver and spleen, checking abdominal tenderness, abnormal resistance, hernias, and surgical scars. These examinations are conducted similarly to those performed by a private general practitioner.
- Laboratory tests – Blood and urine analyses to evaluate the functioning of internal organs.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) – Analysis of the heart’s electrical activity.
- Referral to specialists or diagnostic imaging – If necessary, the patient is referred for further specialist care (e.g. cardiologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist), as is common in a well-functioning private GP practice.
Internists not only identify the underlying cause of symptoms but also manage treatment and follow-up care—similar to private general practitioners or private family doctors—ensuring long-term health monitoring and prevention.
Our Services at the Internal Medicine Clinic in Budapest
- General health screening – Comprehensive check-up to assess overall health status and detect potential health concerns.
- Internal medicine consultation – Detailed anamnesis, physical examination, and laboratory testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
- Specialist referrals – Guidance and referral to the appropriate medical specialist when further care is required.
- Preventive screenings – Early detection of common conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes through preventive testing.
- Blood sampling and analysis – Laboratory results delivered quickly and precisely — just like in a private GP practice.
- ECG diagnostics – Examination of the heart’s electrical activity to identify arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or other cardiac issues.
- Travel and vaccination advice – Personalized guidance on recommended or required vaccinations and potential infection risks before international travel.
- Workplace and insurance-required screenings
Travel and Vaccination Counseling
Vaccination consultation is recommended in the following scenarios:
Before International Travel
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever (mandatory in certain countries)
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Japanese encephalitis (in parts of Asia)
For Chronic Conditions
- Annual influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
During Pregnancy
Recommended:
- Influenza vaccine
- DTPa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
To be avoided:
- Live-virus vaccines (e.g. MMR – measles, mumps, rubella)
Due to Occupational Risk
- Healthcare workers: Hepatitis B, influenza, BCG
- Preschool/daycare workers: MMR
- Laboratory staff: Rabies, hepatitis, meningococcus
For Seniors (60+)
- Annual influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
During Outbreaks
Vaccination is recommended in case of epidemics such as measles, COVID-19, or influenza.
Infections
Infections occur when pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) enter the body and disrupt the function of tissues or organs.
Bacterial Infections
- Cause: Bacteria
- Treatment: May require antibiotics
Common conditions:
- Streptococcal sore throat
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (e.g. E. coli)
- Otitis media
- Skin and wound infections (e.g. impetigo, cellulitis)
Viral Infections
- Cause: Viruses
- Treatment: Symptomatic only
Common conditions:
- Influenza
- Common cold (rhinovirus)
- COVID-19
- Herpes
- Chickenpox, shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
- Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)
Fungal Infections
- Cause: Fungi
- Treatment: Antifungal medications
Common conditions:
- Athlete’s foot, nail fungus
- Vaginal yeast infection (Candida)
- Oral thrush (Candida albicans)
Parasitic Infections
- Cause: Parasites (e.g. worms, protozoa)
- Treatment: Antiparasitic medications
Common conditions:
- Helminth infections (e.g. tapeworm, roundworm)
- Malaria (Plasmodium parasite)
- Scabies, head lice
Treatment of Common Infections
Sore throat:
- Viral: symptomatic care (pain relief, throat lozenges, tea, rest)
- Bacterial: antibiotics if necessary (e.g. high fever, white patches)
Urinary tract infection:
- Mild: hydration, cranberry extract, warmth
- Severe: medical consultation, antibiotics
Influenza:
- Preventable with vaccine
- Treatment: fever reducer, hydration, rest
- In severe cases: antiviral medication
Preventing Infections
- Good hygiene (handwashing, sanitizing)
- Vaccinations (e.g. influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis, HPV)
- Healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, vitamins, sleep, physical activity)
Important: Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen (e.g. high fever, severe pain, shortness of breath).
Preventive Screenings – When and What to Check?
Screenings help detect illnesses early, often before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis is vital for conditions like cancer, cardiovascular, or metabolic diseases.
Basic Screenings (Ages 18–40)
Yearly:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Body weight, BMI, and waist circumference
- Blood glucose (diabetes prevention)
- Complete blood count (to detect anemia, infections, inflammation)
- Urinalysis (to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract issues)
Every 2–3 years:
- Cholesterol levels (to assess cardiovascular risk)
- Eye examination (to detect vision changes or screen for glaucoma)
- For women: Gynecological exam and cervical cancer screening (cytology, HPV test)
- For men: Testicular self-exam or urological exam if necessary
Essential Screenings (Ages 40–50)
Yearly:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram – to prevent heart disease)
- Oral glucose tolerance test (if diabetes risk is present)
- Prostate screening for men (PSA test)
- Mammography for women (every 2 years)
Every 5 years:
- Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy)
- Bone density testing (to prevent osteoporosis, especially in women)
Essential Screenings (Ages 50+)
Yearly or as recommended by your doctor:
- Screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Cardiac examinations (ECG, stress test)
- Eye exam (for cataracts, macular degeneration)
- Lung screening (especially for smokers)
- Prostate check for men (PSA and physical exam)
Every 5 years or as needed:
- Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy)
- Bone density test (osteoporosis screening)