Primary care
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Nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremity are being recognized with increasing frequency. Prompt and correct diagnosis of these injuries is important. This article is a review of the common entrapment nerve injuries seen in the upper extremity. Each of these clinical syndromes is discussed independently, reviewing the anatomy, compression sites, patient presentation (history and examination), the role of additional diagnostic studies, and management.
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Clinical presentation helps differentiate between upper and lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are classified as either complicated or uncomplicated. A complicated UTI is associated with an underlying condition that increases the risk of failing therapy. ⋯ The most common pathogen for uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis is Escherichia coli. Nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are first-line therapies for acute uncomplicated cystitis. Decisions regarding antibiotic agents should be individualized based on patients' allergies, tolerability, community resistance rates, cost, and availability.
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Acute gastroenteritis is a common infectious disease syndrome, causing a combination of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There are more than 350 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the United States annually and 48 million of these cases are caused by foodborne bacteria. ⋯ Contact precautions, public health education, and prudent use of antibiotics are necessary goals in decreasing the prevalence of Clostridium difficle. Preventing dehydration or providing appropriate rehydration is the primary supportive treatment of acute gastroenteritis.
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This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis externa and acute otitis media, and will be helpful to primary care physicians who diagnose and treat these common diseases in the clinic. The pathophysiology, microbiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and complications are discussed.
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Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are infections of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). This article outlines the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and management of URIs, including nasopharyngitis (common cold), sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and laryngotracheitis.