Primary Care Reports
RSSArticles
-
An Update on What Is New During the 2023-2024 Flu Season
As the fall and winter months descend in the Northern Hemisphere, it is time for healthcare providers to focus on preventing and treating the influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates from the current flu season (Oct. 1, 2023, to present) suggest 1 million cases of flu illness and between 5,000 to 12,000 hospitalizations. Healthcare practitioners on the frontline must have current knowledge of prevention and treatment strategies.
-
The Many Controversies of Cannabidiol
Current trends in cannabinoid research, federal and state cannabis legislation, multi-sourced information, as well as misinformation, all drive consumer interest in cannabidiol (CBD). With the increased use of CBD products, increased incidents of poisonings are being reported. With confusion on policy, on potential benefits and harms, and on long-term chronic effects often seen with excessive use, determining the facts is increasingly problematic for healthcare practitioners and consumers. These issues prioritize the need for clinicians, especially in primary care, to stay current on developments related to CBD and other cannabinoids.
-
Diagnosing and Managing Complications of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Alcohol, or ethanol, is the most frequently misused drug across the world. It is estimated that, in the United States, 67.3% of the population consumes alcohol, and 7.4% of the population meets diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. Alcohol use is the leading cause of liver disease and the second most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States. This article discusses the complications seen in alcohol-related liver disease.
-
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Update for Primary Care Providers
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 report defines chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) caused by abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that result in persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction. COPD was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 2018 and is estimated to be responsible for 3 million deaths annually around the world, with expected increases to 5.4 million annual deaths from COPD and related conditions by 2060.
-
Preventing and Reversing Cardiovascular Disease Through Lifestyle Modification
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and in the United States. Identifying and targeting cardiovascular risk factors is essential for the prevention and long-term management of CVD. Traditionally, factors for the onset and progression of CVD were thought to be mostly genetic. It is now well established that several of these factors are lifestyle mediated. Behavioral changes significantly influence the interplay between a healthy lifestyle and the genetic risk of heart disease. To further understand the challenges with preventing and reversing CVD, providers need to consider the alarming prevalence of risk factors among the U.S. population.
-
Endometriosis and the Gut Microbiome: Nutritional Prospects in the Treatment of a Chronic Disease
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in any extrauterine site, such as the ovary, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, rectovaginal space, bowel, and, rarely, lungs and brain. Standard treatment of endometriosis may involve the use of pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal therapy and modulators, and/or surgical removal of endometriotic tissue. On average, women seek consultation from three different healthcare providers over several years to receive a diagnosis of endometriosis. The delay in care results in significant long-term morbidity.
-
Patient Advocates Launch National Diabetes Treatment Recognition Program
Hospitals can be evaluated based on their care for patients with diabetes during admission, stay, and discharge.
-
Physician Group Says to Start Colon Cancer Screening at Age 50 Years
Patient advocates push back, standing by other recommendations that set the age at 45 years.
-
Diagnosing and Treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
The term pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) describes a compilation of infections that arise from an ascending infection of the vagina or cervix to the upper genital tract, which is comprised of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. These infections include, either alone or in combination, tubo-ovarian abscess, salpingitis, endometritis, and peritonitis. Making the diagnosis of PID is important, since it is associated with uterine and fallopian tube scarring leading to tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy, as well as chronic pelvic pain. This article provides an evidence-based review of diagnostic and treatment recommendations for PID.
-
USPSTF Recommends Screening for Anxiety
The group suggests including all patients younger than age 65 years, calls for more study of screening older patients.