The Medical clinics of North America
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be associated with myriad clinical consequences such as increased risk of systemic hypertension, coronary vascular disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, glucose intolerance, impotence, obesity, pulmonary hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux, and impaired concentration. Nonetheless, OSA remains undiagnosed in 82% of men and 93% of women with the condition. Early identification and treatment of OSA provides significant relief for individuals, prevents complications of OSA, and reduces overall health care costs. Better understanding of the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA has the potential to improve early recognition of OSA and prevention of adverse effects on the individual and society.
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Sore throat is a common medical complaint seen by the emergency practitioner, internist, pediatrician, and otolaryngologist. The differential for sore throat is vast. ⋯ By paying particular attention to the associated symptoms and duration of symptoms, common self-limited etiologies like viral pharyngitis and nonstreptococcal tonsillitis can be distinguished from those that require more investigation, such as supraglottitis and tonsillar cancer. A sore throat is most commonly caused by an infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic etiologic factor.
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The patient with "sinus" is common. However, an accurate diagnosis for a patient's sinus complaints may be elusive. ⋯ In acute illness, viral upper respiratory tract infection should be distinguished from acute bacterial sinusitis. For patients with chronic sinus symptoms, objective evidence of paranasal sinus inflammation should be confirmed before labeling the patient with chronic sinusitis.