Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
-
Environmental hypersensitivity disorder is reputed to cause multiple allergic responses in susceptible people after exposure to common substances in the environment. The seriously afflicted, who believe themselves to be unable to live in the modern world, often become severely disabled. ⋯ It concludes that these patients are a heterogeneous group, and that many of them suffer from treatable psychiatric disorders. Guidelines are given for their management.
-
Sources and levels of stress, as well as coping mechanisms, perceived by residents in both years of a two-year family practice residency program in Toronto are described. In addition, differences between first- and second-year residents, and between women and men residents, regardless of year, are examined. Results of the survey indicate that the levels of stress are relatively high throughout the two years of residency training. ⋯ Specific coping mechanisms include talking to others, adjusting attitudes and feelings, or strategic use of time. Recommendations aimed at helping family medicine residency programs deal with the problem of stress in residents are suggested. A current major province-wide research study including all interns and residents in Ontario is described.
-
Right upper abdominal pain in the presence of pelvic inflammatory disease is called Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. It is due to perihepatitis secondary to transperitoneal spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis. ⋯ A case history demonstrates how clinical recognition allows effective management before the results of laboratory investigations are available. The Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is readily treated with conventional antibiotic regimens.
-
Although we have efficacious treatment for hypertension many patients do not take their medication or even follow through with their physician visits, thereby negating potential benefits. Detecting patients who do not take their medications is as important as diagnosing and treating the hypertension itself. This paper outlines methods of detecting and 'treating' non-compliance and discusses the role of the physician/patient relationship in compliance.