Hip Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2021 - Adults commonly present to their family physicians with hip pain, and diagnosing the cause is important for prescribing effective therapy. Hip pain is usually located anteriorly, laterally, or posteriorly. Anterior hip pain includes referred pain from intra-abdominal or intrapelvic ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0115/p81.html
Dysphagia: Evaluation and Collaborative Management - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2021 - Dysphagia is common but may be underreported. Specific symptoms, rather than their perceived location, should guide the initial evaluation and imaging. Obstructive symptoms that seem to originate in the throat or neck may actually be caused by distal esophageal lesions. Oropharyngeal ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0115/p97.html
Labor Dystocia in Nulliparous Women - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2021 - Dystocia (abnormally slow or protracted labor) accounts for 25% to 55% of primary cesarean deliveries. The latent phase of labor begins with onset of regular, painful contractions and continues until 6 cm of cervical dilation. Current recommendations are to avoid admission to labor and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0115/p90.html
Eating Disorders in Primary Care: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2021 - Eating disorders are potentially life-threatening conditions characterized by disordered eating and weight-control behaviors that impair physical health and psychosocial functioning. Early intervention may decrease the risk of long-term pathology and disability. Clinicians should ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0101/p22.html
Breast Cancer Screening: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2021 - Breast cancer is the most common nonskin cancer in women and accounts for 30% of all new cancers in the United States. The highest incidence of breast cancer is in women 70 to 74 years of age. Numerous risk factors are associated with the development of breast cancer. A risk assessment ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0101/p33.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 Chest Pain in Adults: Outpatient Evaluation - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2020 - Approximately 1% of primary care office visits are for chest pain, and 2% to 4% of these patients will have unstable angina or myocardial infarction. Initial evaluation is based on determining whether the patient needs to be referred to a higher level of care to rule out acute coronary ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1215/p721.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
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2020 - Degenerative cervical myelopathy encompasses a collection of pathologic conditions that result in progressive spinal cord dysfunction secondary to cord compression. Patients are typically male (3: 1 male-to-female ratio), and the average age of presentation is 64 years. The exact ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1215/p740.html
Parkinson Disease - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2020 - Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Most patients consult with their primary care physician about Parkinson disease symptoms before seeking care from a specialist. The diagnosis of Parkinson disease is clinical, and key...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/p679.html
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2020 - Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder that is a subtype or qualifier of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is characterized by depressive symptoms that occur at a specific time of year (typically fall ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/p668.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
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Common Questions and Answers on Diagnosis and ...
Nov 15, 2020 - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease in the United States, affecting up to 30% of adults. There are two forms of NAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), defined as 5% or greater hepatic steatosis without hepatocellular injury or fibrosis, and...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1115/p603.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
Oral Manifestations of Commonly Prescribed Drugs - American Family Physician
Nov 15, 2020 - Drugs are being prescribed with more frequency and in higher quantities. A serious adverse drug event from prescribed medications constitutes 2.4% to 16.2% of all hospital admissions. Many of the adverse drug events present intraorally or periorally in isolation or as a clinical symptom...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1115/p613.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
Common Benign Chronic Vulvar Disorders - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2020 - Common benign chronic vulvar conditions include genitourinary syndrome of menopause (formerly called vulvovaginal atrophy), lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, and vulvodynia. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause results from the hypoestrogenic state that leads to ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1101/p550.html
Eye Emergencies - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2020 - Central retinal artery occlusions, chemical injuries, mechanical globe injuries, and retinal detachments are eye emergencies that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated urgently. Family physicians should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of each condition and be ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1101/p539.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
Inguinal Hernias: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2020 - Groin hernias are caused by a defect of the abdominal wall in the groin area and comprise inguinal and femoral hernias. Inguinal hernias are more common in men. Although groin hernias are easily diagnosed on physical examination in men, ultrasonography is often needed in women. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1015/p487.html
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Nonpharmacologic, Noninvasive Treatments - American ...
Oct 15, 2020 - Chronic low back pain, neck pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia are the most common types of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Because no individual therapy has consistent benefit, a multimodal treatment approach to chronic musculoskeletal pain is recommended. Many ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1015/p465.html
Persistent Night Sweats: Diagnostic Evaluation - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2020 - Night sweats are a nonspecific symptom that patients commonly experience but rarely discuss with their physicians without prompting. Although many life-threatening causes such as malignancies or infections have been described, most patients who report persistent night sweats in the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1001/p427.html
Pregnancy Myths and Practical Tips - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2020 - For many patients, pregnancy is a highly anticipated and exciting phase of life, but it can also be anxiety provoking. Family physicians can resolve some of this anxiety and promote maternal and fetal health by making specific recommendations at prenatal visits. A daily prenatal vitamin...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1001/p420.html
Prevention of Unintentional Childhood Injury - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2020 - Unintentional injury accounts for one-third of deaths in children and adolescents each year, primarily from motor vehicle crashes. Children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the back seat, and infants and toddlers should remain rear-facing until at least two years of age. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1001/p411.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
Anaphylaxis: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2020 - Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic reaction, normally occurring within one to two hours of exposure to an allergen. The incidence of anaphylaxis in the United States is 2.1 per 1,000 person-years. Most anaphylactic reactions occur outside the hospital setting. Urticaria, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0915/p355.html
Basal Cell and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Diagnosis and Treatment - American ...
Sep 15, 2020 - Keratinocyte carcinoma, traditionally referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer, includes basal cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and is the most common skin cancer malignancy found in humans. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends counseling about minimizing exposure ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0915/p339.html
Urinary Tract Infections in Young Children and Infants: Common Questions and Answers - ...
Sep 1, 2020 - Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children and are associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity. They have a high recurrence rate and are associated with anatomic and functional abnormalities. The decision to test for UTI is based on risk factors and the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0901/p278.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
Esophageal Motility Disorders - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2020 - Esophageal motility disorders can cause chest pain, heartburn, or dysphagia. They are diagnosed based on specific patterns seen on esophageal manometry, ranging from the complete absence of contractility in patients with achalasia to unusually forceful or disordered contractions in ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0901/p291.html
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (IgA Vasculitis): Rapid Evidence Review - American Family ...
Aug 15, 2020 - Henoch-Schönlein purpura, now called immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, is a systemic, immune complex–mediated, small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis characterized by nonthrombocytopenic palpable purpura, arthritis, and abdominal pain. It is the most common vasculitis in children but...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0815/p229.html
Paget Disease of Bone for Primary Care - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2020 - Paget disease of bone is a benign disorder characterized by focal areas of increased bone turnover in one or more skeletal sites. It usually affects older adults, and men are at a higher risk than women. Any bone may be affected, but the disease has a high preference for the pelvis, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0815/p224.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
Neck Pain: Initial Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2020 - Neck pain is a common presenting symptom in the primary care setting and causes significant disability. The broad differential diagnosis requires an efficient but global assessment; therefore, emphasis is typically placed on red flags that can assist in the early recognition and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0801/p150.html
Acute Pyelonephritis in Adults: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2020 - Acute pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney and renal pelvis and should be suspected in patients with flank pain and laboratory evidence of urinary tract infection. Urine culture with antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be performed in all patients and used to ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0801/p173.html
Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2020 - Continuous electronic fetal monitoring was developed to screen for signs of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, and impending fetal death during labor. Because these events have a low prevalence, continuous electronic fetal monitoring has a false-positive rate of 99%. The ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0801/p158.html
Shoulder Dystocia: Managing an Obstetric Emergency - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2020 - Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency in which normal traction on the fetal head does not lead to delivery of the shoulders. This can cause neonatal brachial plexus injuries, hypoxia, and maternal trauma, including damage to the bladder, anal sphincter, and rectum, and postpartum ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0715/p84.html
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2020 - Asymptomatic bacteriuria, defined as the presence of bacteria in the urine in the absence of urinary symptoms, is a common clinical finding that often warrants a decision about whether to initiate antimicrobial therapy. There are few indications to treat asymptomatic bacteriuria, and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0715/p99.html
Syphilis: Far from Ancient History - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2020 - Rates of primary, secondary, and congenital syphilis are increasing in the United States, and reversing this trend requires renewed vigilance on the part of family physicians to assist public health agencies in the early detection of outbreaks. Prompt diagnosis of syphilis can be ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0715/p91.html
Blood Product Transfusion in Adults: Indications, Adverse Reactions, and Modifications ...
Jul 1, 2020 - Millions of units of blood products are transfused annually to patients in the United States. Red blood cells are transfused to improve oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with or at high risk of developing symptomatic anemia. Restrictive transfusion thresholds with lower hemoglobin ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p30.html
Cervical Colposcopy: Indications and Risk Assessment - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2020 - The practice of colposcopy, a diagnostic procedure to evaluate for vaginal, vulvar, and cervical dysplasia, has evolved to incorporate patient risk factors for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. Changes in cervical cancer screening and guidelines, human ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p39.html
Back Pain in Children and Adolescents - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2020 - Back pain is a relatively common presenting symptom in children and adolescents. Typical causes include muscle strain or spasm, spinal deformities (e.g., Scheuermann kyphosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis), spondylolysis, bulging or herniated intervertebral disks, apophysitis of the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p19.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
Management of Fever in Infants and Young Children - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2020 - Despite dramatic reductions in the rates of bacteremia and meningitis since the 1980s, febrile illness in children younger than 36 months continues to be a concern with potentially serious consequences. Factors that suggest serious infection include age younger than one month, poor ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0615/p721.html
Foreign Bodies in the Skin: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2020 - Foreign bodies may be introduced into the skin through lacerations and soft tissue wounds. Long-term complications of retained foreign bodies include chronic pain and neurovascular impairment. Wound exploration and initial imaging with radiography or ultrasonography should be considered...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0615/p740.html
Newborn Circumcision Techniques - American Family Physician
Jun 1, 2020 - Newborn male circumcision is a common elective surgical procedure for the removal of foreskin covering the glans penis. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0601/p680.html
Nerve Blocks: Part I. Upper Extremity - American Family Physician
Jun 1, 2020 - Procedural anesthesia is administered by family physicians for a variety of conditions, including neuropathies, fracture reduction, foreign body removals, and complex wound management. A nerve block may be preferred because it provides effective regional anesthesia with less anesthetic....
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0601/p654.html
Nerve Blocks: Part II. Lower Extremity - American Family Physician
Jun 1, 2020 - Family physicians use anesthesia to provide diagnostic and procedural analgesia for conditions such as neuropathies, fracture reduction, foreign body removals, and complex wound management. Local infiltration of anesthetics is commonly used in this setting because of the ease of use, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0601/p669.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
Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
May 15, 2020 - Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized ovum implants outside of the uterine cavity. In the United States, the estimated prevalence of ectopic pregnancy is 1% to 2%, and ruptured ectopic pregnancy accounts for 2.7% of pregnancy-related deaths. Risk factors include a history of pelvic...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p599.html
Top 20 Research Studies of 2019 for Primary Care Physicians - American Family Physician
May 15, 2020 - In 2019, regular surveillance of 110 English-language research journals identified 254 studies that met the criteria to become POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters). Physician members of the Canadian Medical Association rated these POEMs for their relevance to patients in their...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p608.html
Endometrial Biopsy: Tips and Pitfalls - American Family Physician
May 1, 2020 - Endometrial biopsy is a safe and efficient method to evaluate the endometrium for a variety of indications, most commonly abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy is highly specific for diagnosing atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0501/p551.html
Chronic Dyspnea: Diagnosis and Evaluation - American Family Physician
May 1, 2020 - Dyspnea is a symptom arising from a complex interplay of diseases and physiologic states and is commonly encountered in primary care. It is considered chronic if present for more than one month. As a symptom, dyspnea is a predictor for all-cause mortality. The likeliest causes of ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0501/p542.html
Tickborne Diseases: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
May 1, 2020 - Tickborne diseases that affect patients in the United States include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, and tickborne relapsing fever. Tickborne diseases are increasing in incidence and should be ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0501/p530.html
Chronic Diarrhea in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...
Apr 15, 2020 - Chronic diarrhea is defined as a predominantly loose stool lasting longer than four weeks. A patient history and physical examination with a complete blood count, C-reactive protein, anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA), total IgA, and a basic metabolic panel are useful ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0415/p472.html
Fetal Aneuploidy: Screening and Diagnostic Testing - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2020 - Aneuploidy is the presence of one or more extra chromosomes or the absence of one or more chromosomes. The risk of fetal aneuploidy rises with increasing maternal age. Because fetal aneuploidy can affect any pregnancy, all pregnant women should be offered screening. First-trimester ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0415/p481.html
Outpatient Burn Care: Prevention and Treatment - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2020 - Most patients with burn injuries are treated as outpatients. Two key determinants of the need for referral to a burn center are burn depth and percentage of total body surface area involved. All burn injuries are considered trauma, prompting immediate evaluation for concomitant ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0415/p463.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
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
Cutaneous Cryosurgery for Common Skin Conditions - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2020 - Cryosurgery is the application of freezing temperatures to achieve the destruction of tissue. Cutaneous cryosurgery has become a commonly performed outpatient procedure because of the combination of its safety, effectiveness, low cost, ease of use, lack of need for injectable ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0401/p399.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
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
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
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Adults: Evaluation and Management - American Family ...
Mar 1, 2020 - Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is defined as hemorrhage from the mouth to the ligament of Treitz. Common risk factors for upper GI bleeding include prior upper GI bleeding, anticoagulant use, high-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and older age. Causes of upper GI ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0301/p294.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
Sexual Health History: Techniques and Tips - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 2020 - Family physicians should use a proactive, integrated, patient-centered approach to sexual health that includes, but is not limited to, disease identification and treatment. Successfully delivering positive, affirming, nonjudgmental sexual health care requires intentionally creating safe...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0301/p286.html
Cerebral Palsy: An Overview - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2020 - Cerebral palsy, which occurs in two to three out of 1,000 live births, has multiple etiologies resulting in brain injury that affects movement, posture, and balance. The movement disorders associated with cerebral palsy are categorized as spasticity, dyskinesia, ataxia, or mixed/other. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0215/p213.html
Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Evaluation and Management - American Family ...
Feb 15, 2020 - Evaluation and management of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding focus on etiologies originating distally to the ligament of Treitz. Diverticular disease is the most common source, accounting for 40% of cases. Hemorrhoids, angiodysplasia, infectious colitis, and inflammatory bowel ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0215/p206.html
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) in Primary Care - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2020 - Primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) is caused by inhaling airborne spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. Residing in or traveling to areas endemic for Coccidioides is required for the diagnosis; no person-to-person or zoonotic contagion ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0215/p221.html
Chronic Wounds: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2020 - Chronic wounds are those that do not progress through a normal, orderly, and timely sequence of repair. They are common and are often incorrectly treated. The morbidity and associated costs of chronic wounds highlight the need to implement wound prevention and treatment guidelines. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0201/p159.html
Clostridioides difficile Infection: Update on Management - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2020 - Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection have recently been updated. Risk factors include recent exposure to health care facilities or antibiotics, especially clindamycin. C. difficile infection is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, from ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0201/p168.html
Screening and Counseling Adolescents and Young Adults: A Framework for Comprehensive ...
Feb 1, 2020 - Healthy development is likely to occur when an adolescent’s risk factors are limited and when protective factors are fostered. Healthy development is further encouraged when youth feel valued, empowered, and form healthy social connections. Threats to the well-being of adolescents ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0201/p147.html
Muscle Weakness in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...
Jan 15, 2020 - Although the prevalence of muscle weakness in the general population is uncertain, it occurs in about 5% of U.S. adults 60 years and older. Determining the cause of muscle weakness can be challenging. True muscle weakness must first be differentiated from subjective fatigue or ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0115/p95.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
Short-Term Systemic Corticosteroids: Appropriate Use in Primary Care - American Family ...
Jan 15, 2020 - Short-term systemic corticosteroids, also known as steroids, are frequently prescribed for adults in the outpatient setting by primary care physicians. There is a lack of supporting evidence for most diagnoses for which steroids are prescribed, and there is evidence against steroid use ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0115/p89.html
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2020 - Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affects 1% to 3% of U.S. adolescents. It is defined by a lateral curvature of the spine (Cobb angle) of at least 10 degrees in the absence of underlying congenital or neuromuscular abnormalities. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be detected via the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0101/p19.html
Benign Anorectal Conditions: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2020 - Common anorectal conditions include hemorrhoids, perianal pruritus, anal fissures, functional rectal pain, perianal abscess, condyloma, rectal prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Although these are benign conditions, symptoms can be similar to those of cancer, so malignancy should be ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0101/p24.html
Lymphoma: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2020 - Lymphoma is a group of malignant neoplasms of lymphocytes with more than 90 subtypes. It is traditionally classified broadly as non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphoma. Approximately 82,000 new U.S. patients are diagnosed with lymphoma annually. Any tobacco use and obesity are major modifiable ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0101/p34.html
Cirrhosis: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2019 - Cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Newer research has established that liver fibrosis is a dynamic process and that early cirrhosis may be reversible. Only one in three people with cirrhosis knows they have it. Most patients with cirrhosis remain ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1215/p759.html
Influenza: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2019 - Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Three types of influenza cause disease in humans. Influenza A is the type most responsible for causing pandemics because of its high susceptibility to antigenic variation. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1215/p751.html
Amblyopia: Detection and Treatment - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2019 - Amblyopia is the leading cause of monocular vision loss in children. Early recognition and treatment are important to prevent vision loss. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends vision screening for all children at least once between three and five years of age to detect the...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1215/p745.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
Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Return To Work - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2019 - Nonspecific low back pain refers to a condition without a distinct etiology to explain its associated symptoms. This pain may become chronic and is a major cause of work loss around the world. Without a specific explanation for a patient’s symptoms, the family physician is charged with ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1201/p697.html
Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2019 - Hypothermia, frostbite, and nonfreezing cold injuries predominantly affect older adults, homeless or intoxicated people, adventurers, and military personnel. Prevention begins with clothing that is clean, layered, and loose to promote circulation. Base layers made of moisture-wicking ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1201/p680.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
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
The Changing Climate: Managing Health Impacts - American Family Physician
Nov 15, 2019 - Concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at increasing rates, heating the Earth’s surface and destabilizing climate. Health impacts from climate change may include increased morbidity and mortality from worsening cardiopulmonary health, worsening ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1115/p618.html
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2019 - Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic folliculitis affecting intertriginous areas. Onset generally occurs in young adulthood to middle adulthood (18 to 39 years of age). Females and blacks are more than twice as likely to be affected. Additional risk factors include family history, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1101/p562.html
Care of the Military Veteran: Selected Health Issues - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2019 - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.2 million veterans were living in the United States in 2017, of whom 1.6 million were female. Less than one-half of all veterans receive care at a Veterans Health Administration or military treatment facility, leaving most to receive services from...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1101/p544.html
Stuttering: Understanding and Treating a Common Disability - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2019 - Childhood-onset fluency disorder, the most common form of stuttering, is a neurologic disability resulting from an underlying brain abnormality that causes disfluent speech. Stuttering can lead to significant secondary effects, including negative self-perception and negative perception ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1101/p556.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
Postpartum Care: An Approach to the Fourth Trimester - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2019 - The postpartum period, defined as the 12 weeks after delivery, is an important time for a new mother and her family and can be considered a fourth trimester. Outpatient postpartum care should be initiated within three weeks after delivery in person or by phone, and may require multiple ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1015/p485.html
Toilet Training: Common Questions and Answers - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2019 - Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone in early childhood. Most U.S. children achieve the physiologic, cognitive, and emotional development necessary for toilet training by 18 to 30 months of age. Markers of readiness for toilet training include being able to walk, put...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1015/p468.html
Anticoagulation: Updated Guidelines for Outpatient Management - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2019 - Anticoagulation therapy is recommended for preventing, treating, and reducing the recurrence of venous thromboembolism, and preventing stroke in persons with atrial fibrillation. Direct oral anticoagulants are first-line agents for eligible patients for treating venous thromboembolism ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1001/p426.html
Opioid Use Disorder: Medical Treatment Options - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2019 - Opioid use disorder is highly prevalent and can be fatal. At least 2.1 million Americans 12 years and older had opioid use disorder in 2016, and approximately 47,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2017. Opioid use disorder is a chronic relapsing condition, the treatment of ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1001/p416.html
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2019 - Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by human enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses. Outbreaks can occur in the spring to fall and are common in North America, and most cases occur in patients younger than 10 years. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is transmitted by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1001/p408.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
Otitis Media: Rapid Evidence Review - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2019 - Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common diagnosis in childhood acute sick visits. By three years of age, 50% to 85% of children will have at least one episode of AOM. Symptoms may include ear pain (rubbing, tugging, or holding the ear may be a sign of pain), fever, irritability, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0915/p350.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
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
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