May 15, 2002

In most patients, acute bronchitis is the result of a viral infection. Therefore, symptomatic treatment using protussives, antitussives, or bronchodilators is appropriate. Antibiotics have generally been shown to be ineffective in patients with uncomplicated acute bronchitis.

Maternal antiretroviral drug therapy during pregnancy and labor, followed by six weeks of neonatal zidovudine therapy, can significantly decrease the risk of vertical transmission. Infants must be closely monitored until they are 18 months old to completely rule out human…

The double-ligature technique is simple to perform and provides good cosmetic and functional results in patients with umbilical granuloma, with only minor complications.

Paget's disease is one of the most common bone disorders. Bisphosphonates are the treatment of choice for patients with Paget's disease of bone.

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common but rarely dangerous side effect of all forms of hormonal contraception. Bleeding that persists beyond three months can be treated with supplemental estrogen and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

If used properly, child safety seats are highly effective in reducing infant death in automobile crashes. Physicians can increase this effectiveness by educating parents and being aware of community resources.

Tinea infections are so common that most physicians frequently treat patients with this problem. These dermatophyte skin infections, including tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis, may be treated successfully with a variety of topical medications.

This issue's cover article on acute bronchitis (page 2039), by Doug Knutson, M.D., and Chad Braun, M.D., represents the first in a series of “Practical Therapeutics” contributions from the Department of Family Medicine at Ohio State University School of Medicine and Public…

President Nominates Surgeon General, Director of NIH | National Survey Focuses on Racial Disparities, Prescription Drugs | HHS Recruiting 40 Public Health Service Officers | Online Courses on Bioterrorism Preparedness Now Available to FPs | National Conference for Residents and…

Talk to your patients about engaging in moderate exercise, and you may just get them off the couch and on the path to better health. An article in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings encourages family physicians to routinely discuss the benefits of moderate exercise with their patients…

One of the latest recommendations by the third U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) appears in this issue of American Family Physician.1 In this review, the USPSTF found good evidence that the potential benefit of daily aspirin therapy in persons at high risk for a…

Charles, a 70-year-old man, came in today for a routine follow-up visit for congestive heart failure (CHF). At age 45, he had an acute myocardial infarction and was treated in the standard manner of that day—rest, analgesia, nitrates, and anticoagulants. He made an uneventful…

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events and the supporting scientific evidence. Explanations of the ratings and the strength of overall evidence are given…

Guidelines developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) discuss changes in thyroid function during pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and clinical considerations; and provides recommendations.

HTAC Report on Seasonal Affective Disorder | Prevention of PKU-Associated Mental Retardation | CDC Analysis of Sudden or Unexpected Cardiac Death | Preventing Unintentional Injuries and Deaths in Schools | Guidelines for Treatment of Chronic and Acute Heel Pain | ACIP…

Letter

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the large tubes that carry air into your lungs. The tubes are called “the bronchial tree.”

HIV means human immunodeficiency virus. HIV infection causes AIDS. AIDS means acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the illness caused by HIV infection. It is possible to have HIV infection for a long time before the illness (AIDS) shows up.

Abnormal bleeding is bleeding at a time other than when you have your period. Many women have some spotting (light bleeding) during the first 3 to 4 months that they take birth control pills. After this time, the bleeding usually stops or is less.

Finding out that you have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus infection) can be frightening. One way to fight your fear is to learn as much as you can about the disease. Knowing about HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) will also help you take the best care of…

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that destroys the immune system. The virus affects certain white blood cells, called T4 helper cells, which help the body fight disease. Over many years, the white blood cells are destroyed. The body then has a weak defense against…

Perinatal is the time right before and right after birth. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The words “perinatal HIV” mean that HIV has been passed to the baby from the mother. In general, babies…