The Medical clinics of North America
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Jul 2024
ReviewEosinophilic Esophagitis: A Review for the Primary Care Practitioner.
This chapter presents an overview of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) for the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP). The focus is on helping PCPs keep it in their differential diagnosis by discussing the spectrum of clinical presentations, how to screen for EoE in at-risk populations and subsequently manage the patient with this condition. The authors review epidemiology, risk factors and associated conditions, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management options.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Jul 2024
ReviewAn Overview of Hereditary Angioedema for the Primary Care Physician.
Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by episodes of swelling of the upper airway, intestines, and skin. The disorder is characterized by deficiency in C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) or a decrease in functional C1-INH. ⋯ Corticosteroids, epinephrine, and antihistamines are not effective for this form of angioedema. The high mortality in patients undiagnosed underscores a need for broader physician awareness to identify these patients and initiate therapy.
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Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. In the United States, it affects 25 million people annually. ⋯ Although asthma is traditionally categorized by severity, treatment by primary care providers is guided by the Global Initiative for Asthma or the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. As more research is available, shared decision-making between health care providers and patients will lead to improved outcomes in managing chronic asthma.
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Allergic rhinitis is a common ailment in primary and acute care settings. Diagnosis is clinical, by means of history and physical examination. ⋯ Management of allergic rhinitis should not be considered trivial, as multiple secondary effects can present as the course progresses. Several treatment modalities exist but should begin with glucocorticoid nasal sprays and systemic second- or third-generation antihistamines.