Frailty: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2021 - Frailty, which is a geriatric syndrome that affects 5% to 17% of older adults, is a state of increased vulnerability across multiple health domains that leads to adverse health outcomes. Frail older adults are at increased risk of falls, disability, hospitalizations, and death. Frailty ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0215/p219.html
Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate for Acute Asthma Exacerbation in Children and Adults - ...
Feb 15, 2021 - Patients who received intravenous magnesium sulfate for acute asthma exacerbation in the emergency department had decreased hospital admissions and no serious adverse effects.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0215/p245.html
Bipolar Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2021 - Bipolar disorders are common, recurrent mental health conditions of variable severity that are difficult to diagnose. Affected individuals have higher rates of other mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and comorbid chronic medical illnesses. New diagnostic criteria and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0215/p227.html
Antibiotics for Acute Bronchitis - Medicine by the Numbers - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2020 - Acute bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection, most commonly viral, that accounts for a significant number of health care visits. This review discusses the benefits and harms of antibiotics for acute bronchitis or acute productive cough.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1101/od2.html
Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
May 15, 2020 - Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease affecting one in 10 people in their lifetime. Atopic dermatitis is caused by a complex interaction of immune dysregulation, epidermal gene mutations, and environmental factors that disrupts ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p590.html
Outpatient Management of COVID-19: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2020 - Common presenting symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, patients may have a wide range of symptoms representing a spectrum of mild to severe illness. Symptoms in children tend to be milder and may include fever, cough, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1015/p478.html
Clinically Relevant Drug-Drug Interactions in Primary Care - American Family Physician
May 1, 2019 - Drug interactions are common in the primary care setting and are usually predictable. Identifying the most important and clinically relevant drug interactions in primary care is essential to patient safety. Strategies for reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions include minimizing ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0501/p558.html
Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation for Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive ...
Jun 1, 2020 - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by hyperinflation of the lungs, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Learn more about the benefits and harms of using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for exacerbation of COPD.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0601/od1.html
Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2019 - Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent chronic skin disease in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people per year, mostly adolescents and young adults. Potential sequelae of acne, such as scarring, dyspigmentation, and low self-esteem, may result in significant morbidity. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1015/p475.html
Polypharmacy: Evaluating Risks and Deprescribing - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Polypharmacy, defined as regular use of at least five medications, is common in older adults and younger at-risk populations and increases the risk of adverse medical outcomes. There are several risk factors that can lead to polypharmacy. Patient-related factors include having multiple ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p32.html
Peripheral Neuropathy: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2020 - Peripheral neuropathy, a common neurologic problem encountered by family physicians, can be classified clinically by the anatomic pattern of presenting symptoms and, if indicated, by results of electrodiagnostic studies for axonal and demyelinating disease. The prevalence of peripheral ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1215/p732.html
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening in...
Aug 1, 2019 - This meta-analysis provides high-quality evidence that flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing both reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer. The study did not provide a clear answer regarding a superior screening modality, so the decision to choose one test over ...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0801/od1.html
Telemedicine Management of Musculoskeletal Issues - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2021 - Telemedicine can provide patients with cost-effective, quality care. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted the need for alternative methods of delivering health care. Family physicians can benefit from using a standardized approach to evaluate and diagnose ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0201/p147.html
Point-of-Care Ultrasonography - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 2020 - Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is performed by a physician at the bedside and is standard practice in obstetric, emergency, and musculoskeletal medicine. When compared with formal sonography, POCUS is equivalent in screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm and as accurate in ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0301/p275.html
Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: Common Questions and Answers - American Family ...
Sep 15, 2020 - Hypertriglyceridemia, defined as fasting serum triglyceride levels of 150 mg per dL or higher, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Severely elevated triglyceride levels (500 mg per dL or higher) increase the risk of pancreatitis. Common risk factors for ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0915/p347.html
Targeted Cancer Therapies - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2021 - Targeted cancer therapies involve chemotherapeutic agents that attack, directly or indirectly, a specific genetic biomarker found in a given cancer. Targeted oncology includes monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and immunotherapy. For example, the...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0201/p155.html
Managing Hypertension Using Combination Therapy - American Family Physician
Mar 15, 2020 - More than 70% of adults treated for primary hypertension will eventually require at least two antihypertensive agents, either initially as combination therapy or as add-on therapy if monotherapy and lifestyle modifications do not achieve adequate blood pressure control. Four main ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0315/p341.html
Top POEMs of 2019 Consistent with the Principles of the Choosing Wisely Campaign - ...
Dec 1, 2020 - In this article, we discuss the POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters) of 2019 judged to be most consistent with the principles of Choosing Wisely, an international campaign to reduce unnecessary testing and treatments. We selected these POEMs through a crowdsourcing strategy of...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/p673.html
Antibiotics for Uncomplicated Diverticulitis - Medicine by the Numbers - American ...
Dec 1, 2020 - Learn more about the benefits and harms of antibiotics for uncomplicated diverticulitis.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/od2.html
Functional Dyspepsia: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2020 - Functional dyspepsia is defined as at least one month of epigastric discomfort without evidence of organic disease found during an upper endoscopy, and it accounts for 70% of dyspepsia. Symptoms of functional dyspepsia include postprandial fullness, early satiety, and epigastric pain or...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0115/p84.html
Aspirin after Acute Ischemic Stroke - Medicine by the Numbers - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2020 - Learn more about the effect of aspirin therapy given within 48 hours of acute ischemic stroke in reducing the risk of death, dependence, or recurrent stroke, and the chance of complete recovery.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0901/od2.html
Gout: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2020 - Gout is caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition in joints and tissues. Risk factors include male sex; obesity; hypertension; alcohol intake; diuretic use; a diet rich in meat and seafood; chronic kidney disease; a diet heavy in fructose-rich food and beverages; being a member of ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1101/p533.html
Office Spirometry: Indications and Interpretation - American Family Physician
Mar 15, 2020 - High-quality, office-based spirometry provides diagnostic information as useful and reliable as testing performed in a pulmonary function laboratory. Spirometry may be used to monitor progression of lung disease and response to therapy. A stepwise approach to spirometry allows for ease ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0315/p362.html
Specific Learning Disabilities: The Family Physician's Role - American Family Physician
Nov 15, 2019 - Academic underachievement, such as failing a class and the threat of being held back because of academic issues, is common. Family physicians can provide support and guidance for families as they approach their child’s unique academic challenges. Specific learning disabilities are a ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1115/p628.html
House Calls - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2020 - The demand for house calls is increasing because of the aging U.S. population, an increase in patients who are homebound, and the acknowledgment of the value of house calls by the public and health care industry. Literature from current U.S. home-based primary care programs describes ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0815/p211.html
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Operative Vaginal Delivery - Medicine by the Numbers - ...
Oct 1, 2020 - Current guidelines from the World Health Organization do not recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal birth because of insufficient evidence of effectiveness.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1001/od2.html
Vitamin D Supplementation and All-Cause Mortality - Medicine by the Numbers - American ...
Jul 1, 2020 - Observational studies have shown that those with low vitamin D levels have higher cancer and cardiovascular mortality. Read more to learn about the effect of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/od1.html
Frequent Headaches: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2020 - Most frequent headaches are typically migraine or tension-type headaches and are often exacerbated by medication overuse. Repeated headaches can induce central sensitization and transformation to chronic headaches that are intractable, are difficult to treat, and cause significant ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0401/p419.html
Probiotics to Prevent Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Children - Medicine by the ...
Mar 1, 2020 - Antibiotics often disrupt the natural balance of nonpathogenic bacterial flora within the gastrointestinal tract. Learn more about the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0301/od2.html
Acute Kidney Injury: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2019 - Acute kidney injury is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in glomerular filtration rate and resultant accumulation of metabolic waste products. Acute kidney injury is associated with an increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular events, and progression to chronic ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1201/p687.html
Benzodiazepines for Panic Disorder in Adults - Medicine by the Numbers - American ...
Apr 1, 2020 - Should benzodiazepeines continue to be prescribed during the initiation phase of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for acute relief of panic attacks? Find out more.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0401/od1.html
Tranexamic Acid for Postpartum Hemorrhage - Medicine by the Numbers - American Family ...
May 1, 2020 - Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal death worldwide. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that has shown to decrease bleeding in surgical patients and all-cause death in trauma patients. Does early administration of tranexamic acid reduce the rate of death...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0501/od2.html
Fetal Fibronectin Testing in Threatened Preterm Labor - Medicine by the Numbers - ...
Aug 1, 2020 - Fetal fibronectin testing is a common clinical test, performed via cervicovaginal secretion swab after 22 weeks of pregnancy, and is used to identify women at increased risk for preterm delivery. Learn more about the benefits and harms of fetal fibronectin testing in threatened preterm ...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0801/p145.html
Antibiotics for Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Medicine by ...
Feb 1, 2020 - Prescription of antibiotics for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial due to the variety of etiologies. This review examined the use of antibiotics to treat COPD in outpatient, inpatient, and ICU settings. Read more.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0201/od1.html
Antibiotics for Acute Rhinosinusitis in Adults - Medicine by the Numbers - American ...
Oct 1, 2019 - Because of the relatively high rate of reported adverse effects and the high likelihood of resolution of symptoms with supportive care and symptomatic management, the authors recommend selective antibiotic use in patients with acute sinusitis. Read more.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1001/od1.html
Urinary Incontinence in Women: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2019 - Urinary incontinence is a common problem among women worldwide, resulting in a substantial economic burden and decreased quality of life. The Women’s Preventive Services Initiative is the only major organization that recommends annual screening for urinary incontinence in all women ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0915/p339.html
Branched-chain Amino Acids for Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy - Medicine by the ...
Jan 1, 2020 - Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction that can be mild with minimal confusion, or overt and severe with coma. Learn more about branched-chain amino acids for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0101/od1.html
Ticagrelor Compared to Clopidogrel in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stable Coronary ...
Nov 1, 2019 - The authors determined there is no benefit from the use of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease because of the uncertainty about benefits and evidence of potential harms.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1101/od1.html
Sepsis: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2020 - Guidelines published in 2016 provide a revised definition of sepsis: life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The guidelines define septic shock as sepsis with circulatory, cellular, and metabolic dysfunction that is associated with a ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0401/p409.html
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women - Medicine ...
Dec 1, 2019 - Urinary incontinence is common in adult women, leading to health complications such as rash and urinary tract infections. This review discusses pelvic floor muscle training for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1201/od1.html
Treatment of the Common Cold - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2019 - Acute upper respiratory tract infections are extremely common in adults and children, but only a few safe and effective treatments are available. Patients typically present with nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, cough, general malaise, and/or low-grade fever. Informing patients...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0901/p281.html
Preventing Spontaneous Abortion with Progestin Therapy - Medicine by the Numbers - ...
Jul 1, 2019 - The use of progestin therapy in women with recurrent pregnancy loss appears to reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, and stillbirth, and increase the rate of live birth. However, due to issues with the studies the authors were hesitant to give progestin their full...
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/od1.html
Diagnostic Imaging: Appropriate and Safe Use - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2021 - The use of diagnostic radiography has doubled in the past two decades. Image Gently (children) and Image Wisely (adults) are multidisciplinary initiatives that seek to reduce radiation exposure by eliminating unnecessary procedures and offering best practices. Patients with an estimated...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0101/p42.html
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2020 - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is noncardiogenic pulmonary edema that manifests as rapidly progressive dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxemia. Diagnostic criteria include onset within one week of a known insult or new or worsening respiratory symptoms, profound hypoxemia, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0615/p730.html
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention - American Family ...
Sep 15, 2019 - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper genital tract occurring predominantly in sexually active young women. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are common causes; however, other cervical, enteric, bacterial vaginosis–associated, and respiratory ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0915/p357.html
Thyroid Nodules: Advances in Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2020 - Thyroid nodules can be detected by ultrasonography in up to 68% of the general population. They are typically benign and are often discovered incidentally. The primary goal of thyroid nodule evaluation is to determine whether it is malignant. After thyroid ultrasonography has been ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0901/p298.html
Depression in Children and Adolescents: Evaluation and Treatment - American Family ...
Nov 15, 2019 - The prevalence of major unipolar depression in children and adolescents is increasing in the United States. In 2016, approximately 5% of 12-year-olds and 17% of 17-year-olds reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the previous 12 months. Screening for depression in ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1115/p609.html
Denosumab for Reducing Risk of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women - Medicine by the ...
May 1, 2019 - Denosumab appears to be effective in reducing the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Treatment with denosumab does not increase the risk of cancer or death but might increase the risk of infection. However, more studies are required.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0501/od1.html
ADHD in Children: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Nov 15, 2020 - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a multidimensional chronic neurodevelopmental condition that affects 8.4% of U.S. children between two and 17 years of age and may pose long-term morbidity if untreated. The evaluation for ADHD begins when parents or caregivers present ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1115/p592.html
Genital Ulcers: Differential Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Mar 15, 2020 - Genital ulcers may be located on the vagina, penis, and anorectal or perineal areas and may be infectious or noninfectious. Herpes simplex virus is the most common cause of genital ulcers in the United States. A diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection is made through ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0315/p355.html