July 1, 2011

Mild asthma exacerbations may be managed in the home with inhaled, short-acting beta2 agonists. Treatment of severe exacerbations in the emergency department requires oxygen administration, short-acting beta2 agonists, and systemic corticosteroids. Peak expiratory flow…

Lichen planus is a chronic disease affecting the skin, oral mucosa, genital mucosa, scalp, and nails. Classic cases can be diagnosed clinically, although biopsy may be helpful and is required in atypical cases. Topical corticosteroids are first-line treatments. Systemic therapy…

Most palpitations are of cardiac origin, and discerning cardiac from noncardiac causes is important given the potential risk of sudden death in those with an underlying cardiac etiology. History and physical examination followed by targeted diagnostic testing are necessary to…

After the diagnosis of early pregnancy loss is confirmed, patients should be offered the choice of expectant management, medical management with misoprostol, or uterine aspiration. All three treatment options are safe, but effectiveness of expectant versus medical management…

Postmenopausal women should not receive oral hormone therapy for treatment of urinary incontinence.

AAFP, Others Criticize Bill That Interferes with Physician-Patient Relationship | AAFP Speaks Out Against Bill Aimed at Defunding Teaching Health Centers | AAFP, Others Praise Macy Foundation's Call to Action on Changing GME System | AAFP Calls for Changes in ACO Antitrust…

Family physicians and other primary care physicians have a vital role in protecting our patients and our nation against bioterrorism. Passive surveillance is the early warning system for naturally occurring outbreaks, and for bioterrorism events. An astute physician who…

Limited data suggest that probiotic use decreases duration and frequency of loose stools, and reduces length of hospital stay in children with persistent diarrhea. One high-quality study showed Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to be effective. Probiotics are generally well tolerated.

Use of forceps is more likely to result in a vaginal delivery than use of vacuum devices (relative risk [RR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.2), but has a higher rate of perineal trauma, tears, pain, and incontinence, and a trend toward more cesarean deliveries…

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

I'm no stranger to social media. In addition to writing content for my practice's Web site and Twitter account, I often post comments on discussion Web sites for physicians. It probably shouldn't have come as a surprise to me when my patients started sending me friend requests…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidelines on the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The new guidelines focus on treatment, but also discuss prevention strategies and diagnostic recommendations.

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An asthma attack, or flare-up, is when your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse.

A miscarriage is something that happens when a pregnancy stops growing. It is sometimes found when women have bleeding in early pregnancy, or it may be found during routine tests.