Primary care
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Rhinitis is caused by a variety of allergic and nonallergic mechanisms. Mild disease can usually be managed with avoidance measures alone. Allergen removal can also improve the severity of allergic rhinitis and can reduce the need for medications. ⋯ Because of the variance in causes of nonallergic rhinitis, treatments also vary. Irrigation and debridement are the standard treatment of atrophic rhinitis. For gustatory rhinitis, pretreatment with ipratropium bromide can be used.
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Dizziness is a common and challenging condition seen in the primary care office. Because dizziness is a vague term that can include a wide array of medical disorders, it is important to use a stepwise approach to differentiate between causes. This article focuses on vertigo and its four most common causes: benign paroxysmal peripheral vertigo, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, and Meniere's disease.
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Oral pathologic abnormality is common and can be potentially serious. There are many diseases of the mouth that medical personnel must be able to diagnose and initiate management. The most prevalent lesions can be categorized as infectious, inflammatory, and common benign and malignant lesions. This article discusses prevalence, cause, diagnosis, and management of lesions such as stomatitis, candidiasis, caries, oral cancers, and bony tori.
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Injuries to the clavicle and associated structures may involve fractures of the clavicle or injuries to the surrounding joints, usually from a blow to the shoulder. They present with variable signs and symptoms, requiring a thorough history and physical examination. ⋯ Often, nonoperative management is indicated but, occasionally, surgical intervention is required. Due to the high incidence of clavicle injuries, it is paramount that the primary care physician be able to recognize, diagnose, and manage these injuries.
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The evaluation and treatment options for cervical radiculopathy continue to evolve as it becomes better defined and gaps in the literature are identified. This article provides a current synopsis of the definition, history, physical examination, imaging, and treatment options available.