December 15, 2004

The term 'chronic daily headache' (CDH) describes a variety of headache types, of which chronic migraine is the most common. Daily headaches often are disabling and may be challenging to diagnose and treat. Medication overuse, or drug rebound headache, is the most treatable…

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder of unknown etiology. The disorder affects approximately 5 to 7 percent of pregnancies and is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia is defined by the new onset of elevated blood…

Although hypothermia is most common in patients who are exposed to a cold environment, it can develop secondary to toxin exposure, metabolic derangements, infections, and dysfunction of the central nervous and endocrine systems. The clinical presentation of hypothermia includes…

Genital warts caused by human papillomavirus infection are encountered commonly in primary care. Evidence guiding treatment selection is limited, but treatment guidelines recently have changed. Biopsy, viral typing, acetowhite staining, and other diagnostic measures are not…

In the previous issue of AFP, I referred to my 20th anniversary of employment at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), occurring in December. Somewhat sheepishly, though, I’ve realized that I’ve been writing this page for seven years without properly introducing…

NIH Awards More Than $24 Million to Help Eliminate Health Disparities | HHS Announces New Initiatives to Help Americans Quit Smoking | Web Site on Handwashing Offers Tips for Prevention of Influenza | STFM Hosts 31st Annual Predoctoral Education Conference | IQLM Offers E…

Female athletes use oral contraceptives to regulate their menstrual cycles with no negative effect on their body composition, but the use of these agents could have a long-term impact on their athletic performance because the agents may cause an increase in fat mass. As…

Chronic daily headache (CDH) is a label for a heterogeneous group of headache disorders that can be a management challenge for busy physicians. Patients with CDH account for most referrals to headache specialists.1 Disagreement about the clinical groupings and diagnostic…

“I’ve got high blood pressure, diabetes, a weak heart, blood clots, foot ulcers, and emphysema,” the elderly man explained. After waiting to catch his breath, he added, “If you can think of any problem I don’t have, give me a minute and I’ll get it!” Then he laughed heartily…

Upper GI bleeding remains a common problem and reason for hospital admission. A more precise estimate of a patient’s prognosis would be helpful to physicians who are deciding on hospital discharge and the intensiveness of monitoring in inpatient and outpatient settings.

The transdermal patch of oxybutynin is no more effective than the short- or long-acting oral form. The patch costs more, but causes less dry mouth. Skin reactions will cause about 10 percent of patients to stop using it.

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

Cooperation continues between the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) with the publication of the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule by Age…

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has released recommendations that aim to reduce obesity in children and adolescents, by increasing and improving opportunities for children to engage in physical activity and eat a healthy diet.

Letter

Headaches that happen every day or almost every day may be caused by overuse of pain medicines. Often these headaches begin early in the morning. The location and severity of the headache may change from day to day. People who have rebound headaches also may have nausea…

Genital warts are small, skin-colored bumps that look like tiny cauliflowers. They can be on or inside the genitals. The genital area includes the vagina, vulva, cervix, urethra, penis, scrotum, and anus. These warts are not the same as warts you may find on other parts of your…