American family physician
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American family physician · Jul 2004
NAMS releases position statement on the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
The NAMS recommends first considering lifestyle changes, alone or combined with a nonprescription remedy (such as dietary isoflavones, vitamin E, or black cohosh) for the relief of mild vasomotor symptoms. For moderate to severe menopause-related hot flashes, prescription systemic estrogen-containing products are still the therapeutic standard. For women with concerns or contraindications to estrogen-containing products, possible treatment options include prescription progestogens, venlafaxine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, or gabapentin.
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Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown cause affecting young and middle-aged adults. Patients commonly present with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, pulmonary infiltrates, and ocular and skin lesions. The heart, liver,spleen, salivary glands, muscles,bones, kidneys, and central nervous system also may be involved. ⋯ Lung and cardiac transplantation is reserved for end-stage disease. Monitoring for symptoms of drug toxicity is essential, and prevention of osteoporosis must be addressed in patients taking long-term oral corticosteroids. It is not known if current therapy alters disease progression.
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Heel pain is a common condition in adults that may cause significant discomfort and disability. A variety of soft tissue, osseous, and systemic disorders can cause heel pain. Narrowing the differential diagnosis begins with a history and physical examination of the lower extremity to pinpoint the anatomic origin of the heel pain. ⋯ Heel pad atrophy may present with diffuse plantar heel pain, especially in patients who are older and obese. Less common causes of heel pain, which should be considered when symptoms are prolonged or unexplained, include osteomyelitis, bony abnormalities (such as calcaneal stress fracture), or tumor. Heel pain rarely is a presenting symptom in patients with systemic illnesses, but the latter may be a factor in persons with bilateral heel pain, pain in other joints, or known inflammatory arthritis conditions.
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Corneal abrasions result from cutting, scratching, or abrading the thin, protective, clear coat of the exposed anterior portion of the ocular epithelium. These injuries cause pain, tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and a gritty feeling. Symptoms can be worsened by exposure to light, blinking, and rubbing the injured surface against the inside of the eyelid. ⋯ Topical mydriatics also are not beneficial. Initial treatment should be symptomatic, consisting of foreign body removal and analgesia with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or oral analgesics; topical antibiotics also may be used. Corneal abrasions can be avoided through the use of protective eyewear.
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The incidence of venous thromboembolic diseases is increasing as the U. S. population ages. At least one established risk factor is present in approximately 75 percent of patients who develop these diseases. ⋯ D-dimer testing is helpful clinically only when the result is negative. A negative D-dimer test can be used in combination with a clinical decision rule, ventilation-perfusion scanning, and/or helical computed tomography to lower the probability of pulmonary embolism to the point that aggressive treatment is not required. Evidence-based algorithms help guide the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.