Evaluation of the Patient with Muscle Weakness - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2005 - Muscle weakness is a common complaint among patients presenting to family physicians. Diagnosis begins with a patient history distinguishing weakness from fatigue or asthenia, separate conditions with different etiologies that can coexist with, or be confused for, weakness. The pattern ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0401/p1327.html
Unexplained Lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...
Dec 1, 2016 - Lymphadenopathy is benign and self-limited in most patients. Etiologies include malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders, as well as medications and iatrogenic causes. The history and physical examination alone usually identify the cause of lymphadenopathy. When the cause is ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1201/p896.html
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Recognition and Management - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2017 - Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia, various neuropsychiatric symptoms, and other clinical manifestations. Screening average-risk adults for vitamin B12 deficiency is not recommended. Screening may be warranted in patients with one or more risk factors, such...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p384.html
A Diagnostic Approach to Pruritus - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2011 - Pruritus can be a symptom of a distinct dermatologic condition or of an occult underlying systemic disease. Of the patients referred to a dermatologist for generalized pruritus with no apparent primary cutaneous cause, 14 to 24 percent have a systemic etiology. In the absence of a ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0715/p195.html
Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments for Symptoms of Menopause - American Family Physician
Dec 1, 2016 - The results of large clinical trials have led physicians and patients to question the safety of hormone therapy for menopause. In the past, physicians prescribed hormone therapy to improve overall health and prevent cardiac disease, as well as for symptoms of menopause. Combined ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1201/p884.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
Diagnosis and Management of Sjogren Syndrome - American Family Physician
Mar 15, 2009 - Sjogren syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. Other organ systems are affected in many patients. Sjogren syndrome is classified as primary or secondary. In primary disease, Sjogren syndrome is a solitary process, whereas secondary disease ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0315/p465.html
Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2018 - Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children is defined as at least three episodes of pain that occur over at least three months and affect the child’s ability to perform normal activities. RAP is most often considered functional (nonorganic) abdominal pain, but an organic cause is found ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0615/p785.html
Recognition and Management of Tourette's Syndrome and Tic Disorders - American Family ...
Apr 15, 1999 - Tic disorders and Tourette's syndrome are conditions that primary care physicians are likely to encounter. Up to 20 percent of children have at least a transient tic disorder at some point. Once believed to be rare, Tourette's syndrome is now known to be a more common disorder that ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0415/p2263.html
Parathyroid Disorders - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2013 - Disorders of the parathyroid glands most commonly present with abnormalities of serum calcium. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, the most common cause of hypercalcemia in outpatients, are often asymptomatic or may have bone disease, nephrolithiasis, or neuromuscular symptoms. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0815/p249.html
Diagnostic Approach to Polyarticular Joint Pain - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2003 - Identifying the cause of polyarticular joint pain can be difficult because of the extensive differential diagnosis. A thorough history and a complete physical examination are essential. Six clinical factors are helpful in narrowing the possible causes: disease chronology, inflammation, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0915/p1151.html
Hereditary Hemochromatosis - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2013 - Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that disrupts the body’s regulation of iron. It is the most common genetic disease in whites. Men have a 24-fold increased rate of iron-overload disease compared with women. Persons who are homozygous for the HFE gene ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0201/p183.html
Management of Common Symptoms in Terminally Ill Patients: Part I. Fatigue, Anorexia, ...
Sep 1, 2001 - Physical symptoms other than pain often contribute to suffering near the end of life. In addition to pain, the most common symptoms in the terminal stages of an illness such as cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are fatigue, anorexia, cachexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0901/p807.html
Dizziness: Approach to Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2017 - Dizziness is a common yet imprecise symptom. It was traditionally divided into four categories based on the patient’s history: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and light-headedness. However, the distinction between these symptoms is of limited clinical usefulness. Patients have ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0201/p154.html
Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Depression - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2012 - Major depressive disorder in children and adolescents is a common condition that affects physical, emotional, and social development. Risk factors include a family history of depression, parental conflict, poor peer relationships, deficits in coping skills, and negative thinking. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0901/p442.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
Anemia in the Elderly - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2000 - Anemia should not be accepted as an inevitable consequence of aging. A cause is found in approximately 80 percent of elderly patients. The most common causes of anemia in the elderly are chronic disease and iron deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, gastrointestinal ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1565.html
Diabetes Mellitus: Screening and Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2016 - Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diagnoses made by family physicians. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, limb amputation, kidney failure, and vascular and heart disease. Screening patients before signs and symptoms develop leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p103.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
Treating Fibromyalgia - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2000 - Fibromyalgia is an extremely common chronic condition that can be challenging to manage. Although the etiology remains unclear, characteristic alterations in the pattern of sleep and changes in neuroendocrine transmitters such as serotonin, substance P, growth hormone and cortisol ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1575.html
Diagnosing the Patient with Abdominal Pain and Altered Bowel Habits: Is it Irritable ...
May 15, 2003 - Diagnosing a patient who presents with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits can be challenging. Although serious organic illnesses can cause these symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome is commonly responsible. It can be difficult to properly evaluate these patients without overusing ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0515/p2157.html
Therapeutic Uses of Magnesium - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2009 - Magnesium is an essential mineral for optimal metabolic function. Research has shown that the mineral content of magnesium in food sources is declining, and that magnesium depletion has been detected in persons with some chronic diseases. This has led to an increased awareness of proper...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0715/p157.html
Common Types of Supraventricular Tachycardia: Diagnosis and Management - American ...
Oct 15, 2010 - The most common types of supraventricular tachycardia are caused by a reentry phenomenon producing accelerated heart rates. Symptoms may include palpitations (pulsation in the neck), chest pain, lightheadedness or dizziness, and dyspnea. It is unusual for supraventricular tachycardia to...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1015/p942.html
Exercise Stress Testing: Indications and Common Questions - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2017 - Exercise stress testing is a validated diagnostic test for coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients, and is used in the evaluation of patients with known cardiac disease. Testing of asymptomatic patients is generally not indicated. It may be performed in select deconditioned ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0901/p293.html
Recognition and Management of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis - ...
Nov 15, 2013 - Polymyalgia rheumatica affects proximal muscles and joints, causing disability in older adults. Giant cell arteritis affects medium and large arteries and can result in blindness. These conditions overlap significantly, often occurring together. Despite the similarities, each has ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1115/p676.html