Medical treatment is a doctor or health care professional’s use of drugs, surgery and other techniques to help cure or alleviate an illness. It can also be used to prevent diseases or injury. Medical treatments often have side effects, and many involve making choices for patients that are difficult and stressful. Medical decisions are often influenced by personal factors such as lifestyle, culture, religion or ethics.
The study of medicine consists of a number of scientific disciplines, which are the basis for modern biomedical science. These include anatomy (the study of structure), physiology (the study of the normal functioning of living organisms) and pathology (the study of disease – the causes, course, progression and resolution).
In addition, there are a number of sub-disciplines within medicine, including:
Internal medicine is the broadest discipline and includes many subspecialties. These include adolescent medicine, endocrinology (the study of hormones), gastroenterology (the study of the stomach and intestines) and pulmonology (the study of the respiratory system).
Other medical disciplines are based on specific organ systems or disease classes. These include nephrology (the kidneys), ophthalmology (the eyes) and urology (the urinary tract). Obstetrics and gynecology is concerned with childbirth, the female reproductive organs and related diseases. Pediatrics is devoted to children’s medicine. There is also a branch of medicine known as community health, which is concerned with public health.
A number of medical treatments are invasive, and this can lead to stress for the patient. For example, some cancer treatments rely on the removal of tissue from the body, such as a mastectomy or a bone marrow transplant. These procedures can have significant psychological impacts on the person receiving them, particularly if they are young or in their prime.
Non-invasive therapeutic procedures include a range of techniques such as physical therapy, acupuncture and nutritional medicines. They can be useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetes.
There are also a number of medical devices designed to improve function, such as pacemakers and artificial joints. Some of these are used as a bridge to more invasive therapies such as liver transplants or heart valve replacement.
Medical treatment can be expensive, and it is important for people to plan ahead. They should shop around for the best prices, and they should try to understand all the costs involved – this can be achieved by asking the surgeon or hospital to provide an estimate of cost before the procedure is undertaken. They should also consider whether they have access to a credit card or similar that can be used to cover expenses.
The cost of medical treatment has become a significant source of stress for many people in the United States. In 2022, a Gallup poll found that 38% of Americans reported that they or a family member had postponed medical treatment due to expense, which is the highest percentage in 22 years of tracking the figure. This was especially true for younger adults and those with lower incomes.