November 15, 2002

Management of irritable bowel syndrome centers on an effective physician-patient relationship with occasional pharmacotherapeutic agents used as needed for predominant symptoms. Only a few medications have proved effective in high-quality trials.

Diagnostic imaging is generally used in patients with recurrent or complicated sinus disease and is helpful in preventing serious complications.

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. An important subset of heart disease is perioperative myocardial infarction, which affects approximately 50,000 persons each year. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA…

Tacrolimus ointment is an effective new therapy for atopic dermatitis. It may be used as a steroidsparing agent in patients with this condition.

Unwanted facial hair is a common condition that often goes untreated. Patients should be informed about treatment options, which vary in cost, efficacy, and side effects.

Older Americans comprise 13 percent of the population, but they consume an average of 30 percent of all prescription drugs. Every day, physicians are faced with issues surrounding appropriate prescribing to older patients. Polypharmacy, use of supplements, adherence issues, and…

On page 1867 of this issue you'll find the first in a new lineup of articles developed by the Department of Family Practice at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla., for AFP's longstanding “Practical Therapeutics” series. Starting off with the cover article…

AAFP Selects New Officers and Board Members for Upcoming Year | FDA Proposes Regulation to Expedite Availability of Generic Drugs | AAFP Hosts Future of Family Medicine Project Web Site | AHRQ Awards Grants to Primary Care Practice-Based Research Networks

“Do the cross-and-squeeze.” No, it's not the latest dance move, but a technique developed at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam for people with a condition that causes their blood pressure to drop when they stand up. Twenty patients who had previous fainting spells were…

In this issue of American Family Physician, Karnath1 discusses preoperative risk assessment based on guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the American College of Physicians. Perioperative cardiac complications, which affect a…

Recently, a 17-year-old man came into the office. He had pain in his right anterior chest as a result of an altercation several days earlier. X-rays of his shoulder, chest, and ribs were negative. He had no difficulty swallowing, but further history revealed that at the time of…

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on counseling by primary care physicians to promote physical activity and the supporting scientific evidence, and it updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published the 2002 guidelines for treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis is included.

Recommendations on Combined Hormone Therapy | AAP Recommendations on Reporting Child Abuse | NIH Statement on Management of Cancer Symptoms | FDA Advisories | FDA Approvals

To improve compliance with medication regimens, the following recommendations, based on recent developments in the treatment of schizophrenia, may be useful.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem that leads to stomach pains or cramps that are often relieved by having a bowel movement. Patients with IBS often have problems with constipation (infrequent or difficult bowel movements), diarrhea, or both. They may feel an…

Atopic dermatitis, which is also called eczema, is an itchy skin rash that doesn't go away. It usually starts in childhood. It is common in people with allergies and asthma. The rash is usually behind the knees and in the crease of the elbows, but it can be anywhere on the body…

Unwanted hair on the face is a common problem. It affects many men and women. Most methods of hair removal are simple and don't cost very much. However, permanent hair removal is not always possible.