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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hirsutism in Women - American Family Physician

Aug 1, 2019 - Hirsutism is the excessive growth of terminal hair in a typical male pattern in a female. It is often a sign of excessive androgen levels. Although many conditions can lead to hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hyperandrogenism account for more than 85% of cases. Less ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0801/p168.html

Erythema Multiforme: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician

Jul 15, 2019 - Erythema multiforme is an immune-mediated reaction that involves the skin and sometimes the mucosa. Classically described as target-like, the erythema multiforme lesions can be isolated, recurrent, or persistent. Most commonly, the lesions of erythema multiforme present symmetrically on...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0715/p82.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

Amenorrhea: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2019 - Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health and self-perception of well-being. Primary amenorrhea, defined as the lifelong absence of menses, requires evaluation if menarche has not occurred by 15 years of age or three years post-thelarche. Secondary amenorrhea is ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p39.html

Kidney Stones: Treatment and Prevention - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2019 - Kidney stones are a common disorder, with an annual incidence of eight cases per 1,000 adults. During an episode of renal colic, the first priority is to rule out conditions requiring immediate referral to an emergency department, then to alleviate pain, preferably with a nonsteroidal ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0415/p490.html

Common Breast Problems - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2019 - Palpable breast masses, mastalgia, and nipple discharge are commonly encountered symptoms in outpatient practice, causing significant patient anxiety and precipitating medical consultation. The initial workup includes a detailed clinical history and physical examination. Women ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0415/p505.html