Articles
Evaluation of the Patient with Chronic Cough
Initial evaluation should include a focused history and physical examination, and in most patients, chest radiography. Empiric treatment should be initiated sequentially for the three most common causes of chronic cough (i.e., upper airway cough syndrome, gastroesophageal…
Evaluation of Suspected Dementia
Patients with suspected dementia should have a validated screening test for cognitive impairment. If results are abnormal, further cognitive testing can include the Mini-Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale. Laboratory tests should include measurement of…
Diagnosis of Heel Pain
Differentiating among the many causes of heel pain can be accomplished through a patient history and physical examination, with appropriate imaging studies if indicated. Location of pain is key in making the correct diagnosis.
Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are clinically diagnosed based on physical and psychological symptoms that occur only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Treatment options to reduce symptoms may include serotonergic antidepressants…
Editorials
The Expanding Scope of Medical Travel
The face of medical travel is changing. In recent years, medical travel has expanded to include middle-class patients seeking more affordable care. In 2007, approximately 750,000 Americans traveled to other countries for medical care; this number is predicted to exceed 1.6…
AFP News Now - AFP Edition
AAFP News Now: AFP Edition
Letter Calls for Oversight of Tobacco Products to Include All Types of Cigars | CMS Creates Resources for Clarifying Responsibilities of Contractor Entities | Two Doses of HPV Vaccine as Effective as Full Series, According to NIH Study | AMA, Other Groups Call on Deficit…
STEPS
Tranexamic Acid (Lysteda) for Cyclic Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Lysteda is an oral antifibrinolytic licensed for the treatment of cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding (i.e., menorrhagia) of more than 80 mL per cycle. A competitive plasminogen inhibitor, it prevents plasmin formation and fibrinolysis of menstrual fluid. The extended-release…
FPIN's Clinical Inquiries
Managing Intoeing in Children
Intoeing can be accurately diagnosed using a history, physical examination, and torsional profile.
Clinical Evidence Handbook
Bell Palsy
What are the effects of drug, surgical and physical treatments for Bell palsy in adults and children?
Photo Quiz
Rash at the Site of a Tattoo
Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.
Practice Guidelines
ACIP Updates General Immunization Guidelines
Guideline source: Advisory Committee on Immunization PracticesEvidence rating system used? NoLiterature search described? NoPublished source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, January 28, 2011Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6002a1.htm
Letters to the Editor
Information from Your Family Doctor
Chronic Cough
Coughing is how your body clears foreign objects and mucus from your lungs and breathing tubes. A cough that lasts a long time can be a sign of a health problem. A chronic cough is a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks.
PMS: What It Is and What You Can Do About It
PMS causes symptoms during the week before your period. You may have physical symptoms (such as cramps or bloating) or mood-related symptoms (such as feeling more tense than usual, having trouble concentrating, or being irritable). You may crave certain foods, have trouble…