October 1, 2003

Treatment of reflux esophagitis is directed at acid suppression using lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic agents. Antireflux surgery or one of the newer endoscopic modalities is an alternative treatment in patients who have chronic reflux and recalcitrant symptoms.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction to medicines, foods, insect stings, physical factors, and exercise. Prompt treatment is critical. Prevention strategies are a key component in the management of future episodes.

The use of diagnostic and therapeutic injection for common pathologies affecting the plantar fascia, the ankle joint, the tarsal tunnel, the interdigital space, and the first metatarsophalangeal joint is reviewed and pictorially demonstrated.

Drugs that inhibit the degradation of acetylcholine within synapses are the main treatment for Alzheimer's disease, but no therapy has been shown to completely protect neurons.

As more people visit exotic worldwide locations, U.S. physicians are seeing more returning travelers with fever. A careful travel history, a description of accommodations, information about pretravel immunizations or chemoprophylaxis during travel, a sexual history, and a list…

Although the year is starting to wind down and many of our editorial efforts are being directed at changes that will occur next year, we still have a few surprises in store for you this fall. In addition to the “Point-of-Care Guides” that we introduced in the September 1 issue…

ABFP Web Site Provides Information on New Certification Program | AAFP Adopts Influenza Vaccine Policy Consistent with ACIP | CMS Improves and Expands Medicare Web Site for Health Care Professionals | IOM Publishes Booklet on Improving Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer…

Fewer deaths from heart attack occurred in France on the day that country won soccer's 1998 World Cup, according to a study published in Heart. In men, 23 heart attack deaths were reported, compared with an average of 32.6 deaths on the five days before and after the match. A…

Symptoms consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are extraordinarily common, and treatment of GERD is an important aspect of primary care medicine. Therapeutic options range from patient-driven lifestyle changes and as-needed use of over-the-counter (OTC) agents…

“Well, Poppy's doing better today!” Poppy is Eustace Conrad, a vigorous 75-year-old man whose philosophic bent (“A man of my age doesn't like to be denied one of the few pleasures he has left—I'm talking about food.”) and literate repartee (“When they get on my case at work…

Aspirin has a small benefit for long-term outcome and survival. Anticoagulants increase the risk for bleeding and do not have long-term benefit.

What are the effects of interventions to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome?

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

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations on the prevention and control of influenza for the 2003–2004 influenza season.

ACIP Recommendations for Pneumococcal Vaccination | AAP Guidelines on Childhood Obesity | AHRQ Checklists for Men and Women | FDA Approval

The concept of the “complete” physical examination can be viewed from several perspectives.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common digestive problem (say: gas-troess-off-ah-gee-al ree-flux). In GERD, acid from the stomach flows backward into the esophagus.

Anaphylaxis (say “anna-full-ax-iss”) is a life-threatening allergic reaction. It starts soon after you are exposed to something to which you are allergic. You may have swelling, itching, or a rash. Some people have trouble breathing, a tight feeling in their chest, dizziness…

The article “Evaluation of the Subfertile Man” (May 15, 2003, page 2165) contained an error regarding the size of a normal testis. On page 2167, in the second column, second line, the size of a normal testis should be 20 cm3 or more, or at least 4 cm in greatest dimension. The…