American family physician
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Hair loss is a common problem that may affect both males and females in all age groups. Although androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) is the most frequently occurring type of hair loss, hair loss can result from a variety of local and systemic conditions. ⋯ Treatment is focused on removing the cause of secondary hair loss, patient education and specific interventions for individual types of alopecia. All treatment strategies should address the significant cosmetic and psychologic impact of hair loss.
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Near-drowning and drowning are major causes of neurologic injury and death in young persons. Most victims aspirate water, and pulmonary edema develops in many of these cases. Prolonged submersion causes cerebral asphyxia and adversely affects the brain within five minutes. ⋯ Prehospital advanced cardiac life support with tracheal intubation is indicated in patients with severe injuries. On arrival at the hospital, ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure or positive end-expiratory pressure enhances pulmonary function. Many water submersion accidents are avoidable; close supervision of infants and toddlers, installation of a fence around home swimming pools, and abstinence from alcohol during participation in water sports are some practical precautions.