This book contains the information that the physician would impart to the patient at the time of the office visit were there enough time to converse. Because of the time restraints present in everyday medical practice, the patient is often shortchanged due to the lack of explanation by the physician. Part One of the book addresses the most common symptoms that lead to a visit to the doctor (chest pain, cough, abdominal pain, etc.). The process of medical history review, formulation of a differential diagnosis (what the symptom is likely caused by), physical examination, and diagnostic testing is explained. The treatment for many of the possible diagnoses is also explained in Part One. Part Two of the book deals with many of the most common medical conditions requiring ongoing care by the physician (asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc.). The cause of the condition, the physiologic changes (what is happening in the body), what things to do (including treatments), what things to avoid, and how the condition is monitored are all explained. Some common questions concerning the condition are answered at the end of each chapter.