Primary care
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Vocal cord disorders present with a variety of symptoms including dysphonia, respiratory symptoms, and stridor. When evaluating symptoms, a complete history and through head, neck, and neurologic examinations are necessary. ⋯ Most masses of the vocal folds are benign and resolve with voice hygiene and speech therapy. Surgery is reserved for persistent symptomatic nodules and cancerous lesions.
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About 85% of US adults with hearing loss have unmet hearing needs, creating significant individual and population effects on chronic conditions, socioeconomics, and quality of life. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of hearing loss, overcoming systemic barriers, resources in limited primary care settings, and a multidisciplinary approach.
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This study provides a comprehensive overview of sinusitis, detailing its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies. Sinusitis, characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, can be acute, subacute, recurrent, or chronic, with distinct clinical presentations and treatment approaches. ⋯ Surgical interventions like functional endoscopic sinus surgery may be required for refractory cases. Emerging therapies, such as biologics and minimally invasive procedures, offer promising alternatives to traditional management approaches.
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While pharyngitis is a common primary care complaint, evidence reveals that this diagnosis is an area where antibiotic therapy is frequently misused. Appropriate diagnosis and management of pharyngitis is crucial to ensure antimicrobial stewardship and improve patient safety and outcomes. Pharyngitis etiologies include both infectious and noninfectious sources such as bacteria, viruses, fungal organisms, trauma, irritants, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and medications. Clinicians need to obtain a thorough history and careful physical examination, along with appropriate diagnostic testing when indicated, to ensure treatment plans are targeted toward the most likely pharyngitis etiology.
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Rhinitis affects a significant portion of the world population and increases the cost of health care by billions of dollars in treatment costs and missed days of work. Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause. ⋯ Initial treatment includes using topical agents like intranasal corticosteroids and inhaled antihistamines as the first-line therapies for both allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinitis. Therapy can evolve in a stepwise manner depending on the primary symptom complaint prior to referral for advanced therapies such as allergen immunotherapy.