April 1, 2002

Helicobacter pylori is the cause of most ulcer disease and a primary risk factor for cancer. Eradication of this infection, which results in ulcer healing and a reduction in complication and recurrence rates, requires completion of a 10- to 14-day multidrug regimen and close…

Spinal epidural abscess can lead to irreversible neurologic damage or death if not treated expeditiously. Actinomyces odontolyticus is a rare cause; Staphylococcus aureus is the more common cause.

The presence of a patient's family member at an office visit creates unique opportunities and challenges to the physician. A set of core skills and advanced skills are available for conduct effective family interview.

Osteoporosis is often diagnosed using measurements of bone mineral density. Common imaging modalities include dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography, and calcaneal ultrasonography.

Venomous snakebite is a true medical emergency requiring immediate attention; however, recommendations regarding first aid and management of snakebite have changed radically in recent years, necessitating an update on this challenging problem.

Oral cancer accounts for approximately 3 percent of all cases of cancer in the United States. Sixty percent of oral cancers are well advanced by the time they are detected, despite frequent oral cavity examinations by physicians and dentists. Controversy exists over whether…

Infant botulism is caused by ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores found in soil and honey products and should be identified and treated early to prevent respiratory failure.

The minimal excision technique is a less invasive intervention for removal of epidermoid cysts. The minimal excision, which involves a 2- to 3-mm incision, expression of cyst contents, and extraction of the cyst wall through the incision, is a simple procedure that can be…

Among the many excellent articles in this issue is one of several articles contributed over the years by Gregory Juckett, M.D., M.P.H., whom we've come to know as our pest specialist. “Venomous Snakebites in the United States: Management Review and Update,” written by Dr…

Crawford Is Named Deputy Commissioner of the FDA | 2004 WONCA Meeting Will Be Held in Conjunction with AAFP Scientific Assembly | President's TANF Proposal Sends Welfare Reform to Next Level | Former South Carolina Governor to Head Rural Health Committee | NRHA to Conduct 25th…

Some devices have a low profile. According to survey results published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, many gynecologists may have “forgotten” about intrauterine devices (IUDs) because of their infrequent use. While the IUD is a safe and effective form of contraception, only 0…

The name of our discipline—family practice—implies that “family” is the focus of care.1 The definition of family varies with the clinical situation and has important clinical implications. Some family physicians care for multiple family members of differing ages. The…

“We need a doctor for an emergency right away!” The message came over the two-way radio from a triage nurse inside the shelter to personnel on the mobile clinic. JOH envisioned several scenarios as he hurried to the shelter. “Was a nurse in danger?” “Was a patient seizing…

Patients can expect a modest improvement in global function with NSAID therapy, such as ibuprofen. There is no evidence that any particular NSAID or combination of medicines has superior efficacy in the treatment of low back pain.

What are the effects of treatments for depressive disorders? What are the effects of continuation treatment with antidepressant drugs? Which treatments are most effective at improving long-term outcome?

Case study: A 65-year-old white man is in your office for a routine evaluation of his blood pressure. He complains of decreased urinary stream and nocturia. You notice that he has not had a rectal examination in the past two years, and you prepare to do this examination. When…

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has updated the Summary of Policy Recommendations for Periodic Health Examinations. The report originated with the Commission on Clinical Policies and Research and was approved by the AAFP Board of Directors in August 1996, with…

Lyme Disease Vaccine Pulled from the Market | Medication Errors and Drug Name Issues | AHRQ Booklet on Staying Healthy at 50 Years and Beyond | AHRQ Report on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | International Bug-Borne Disease Research | NCI Statement on Mammography Screening…

There is no harder task than trying to help a patient who denies having a problem. Self-delusion and denial are key elements of alcoholism. Alcoholics may delude themselves into thinking that they are not drinking too much or that they can control their drinking.

Helicobacter pylori (say: hel-lick-o-back-ter pie-lor-ee) are bacteria that can live in stomach acid. In many people, infection does not cause any symptoms. In some people, it can hurt the stomach lining, leading to gastritis (inflammation) and ulcers. Most patients with…

Most snakebites occur between April and October, when outdoor activities are popular. You can avoid snakebites by taking the following steps:

Cancer is treated with radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays that kill or harm cancer cells), chemotherapy (medicine used to kill cancer cells), surgery and bone marrow transplantation (replacement of the spongy tissue inside bones that is killed or harmed by chemotherapy or…

An epidermoid cyst is a benign (not cancer), slow-growing skin growth that results from injury to a hair follicle in association with acne, from a defect in the skin or from injury to the skin beneath the skin surface. The cyst contain a cheesy yellow material. Rupture of the…