May 01, 2011
Many upper- and lower-airway problems can cause wheeze and cough, and some conditions coexist with asthma. Here's how to pin down a diagnosis.
March 01, 2010
An accurate diagnosis is crucial. It is necessary to know which related drugs need to be avoided, as well as alternative drugs to recommend for patients.
January 29, 2010
The authors place particular emphasis on the IBS's status as a true disease as opposed to a figment of the patient's imagination.
January 22, 2010
Four million people in the United States are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Many have had the virus for decades, without any symptoms, unknowingly passing it on to others.
Movement of gastric acid into the esophagus can cause irritation, inflammation, and ulceration—and, in some cases, may herald cancer.
Biologic agents, some of them already used for arthritis, are proving highly effective against this disfiguring disease. But there's a downside: high cost.
January 21, 2010
There are four established options and two new ones — DNA markers and virtual colonoscopies. Here are the pluses and minuses of each.
It's surprisingly common, yet both patients and clinicians tend to think there's little that can be done. That used to be true — but not anymore.
Increasing antimicrobial resistance among the causative pathogens has made it more difficult to effectively treat UTIs and prostatitis.
Combing through the best and latest trials, our experts synthesize the findings. Learn which patients need drugs and which drugs are best.
In a major public-health advance, a new vaccine has been approved to protect against four viral strains. Two experts tell the best way to use it.
The American Heart Association guidelines are based on important dietary strategies that have emerged in the past decade.
January 06, 2010
Use the first visit to get as much information as possible about the patient's condition, functional status, and social situation.
January 04, 2010
In the future, more and more children with cardiac risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, will be treated in the primary-care setting.
November 30, 2009
Blood tests can detect thyroid dysfunction, which can result in cardiac, GI, and menstrual disturbances as well as abnormalities in fetal neural development.
November 02, 2009
To reach the goal of providing herd immunity in communities, clinicians must use every patient encounter to determine vaccination status.
October 23, 2009
The disfiguring lesions of acne vulgaris can have a severe psychological impact. Fortunately, clinicians now have a broad range of therapeutic options.
September 28, 2009
Updated guidelines spell out therapy for superficial as well as life-threatening disease variants that are the product of modern medicine.
August 31, 2009
Effective treatment may ease the pain of peptic ulcer disease and gastritis, prevent progression of gastric malignancy, and ease iron deficiency anemia.
July 31, 2009
Not all knee complaints require orthopedic referral. This review of basic testing and exam techniques will help you arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
July 02, 2009
Seen frequently in children, this skin disease can affect patients of all ages. Knowing the proper therapy and how to prevent dissemination is crucial.
May 21, 2009
Although commonly considered a disease of women, men can be affected too. New guidelines recommend risk assessment for men and treatment for both sexes.
April 29, 2009
Presenting complaints include hearing loss, persistent pain, or "clicking" in the ear. Patients must allow time for treatment (if required) to take effect.
March 27, 2009
Seizures in the elderly often mimic other conditions, such as transient ischemic attack or dementia. Don't be fooled into a misdiagnosis.
February 26, 2009
While research into specific cause-and-effect relationships continues, there are still plenty of reasons to encourage patients to take care of their mouth.
January 27, 2009
Guidelines advise against the routine use of antibiotics, but patients demand them. Find out what alternatives are available and when to use them.
January 05, 2009
Too often patients focus on daily goals of diabetes management, but don't let them lose sight of the ultimate goal: preventing end-organ damage.
November 25, 2008
Most anemia is diagnosed from screening a complete blood count (CBC). A prediction rule using the CBC and serum ferritin can help identify the type.
November 10, 2008
While most nail disorders involve bacterial or fungal infection, there are other causes you should be aware of. Find out what to do about them.
October 22, 2008
Dogs provide love and companionship for millions, but accidents happen. Find out what you and your patients can do to prepare for them.
August 29, 2008
Some risk factors are unavoidable, but adjusting your patient's diet and addressing comorbidities can prevent excruciating episodes.
July 24, 2008
Unsightly skin can cause patients great anguish, raising their frustration with slow or ineffective therapies. This is the approach used by one expert.
Generally treated by a specialist, Crohn's patients follow up with their primary-care clinician. Here's what you should know about the condition.
Urinalysis reveals the presence of calcium oxalate crystals and/or protein.
Before prescribing empiric therapy, make sure you know the organisms most likely to be involved and the resistance patterns in your area.
Which patients really benefit? And when does the risk outweigh the advantages? We examine the best studies to arrive at some conclusions.
Your concern isn't so much end-stage renal disease as it is cardiovascular problems. Here's how to prevent CKD progression and minimize CVD risk.
