Management of Constipation in Older Adults - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2015 - Chronic constipation is common in adults older than 60 years, and symptoms occur in up to 50% of nursing home residents. Primary constipation is also referred to as functional constipation. Secondary constipation is associated with chronic disease processes, medication use, and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0915/p500.html
Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults -...
May 1, 2015 - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) are among the most common mental disorders in the United States, and they can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life and disrupt important activities of daily living. Evidence suggests that the rates of missed diagnoses ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0501/p617.html
Chronic Diarrhea in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family ...
Apr 15, 2020 - Chronic diarrhea is defined as a predominantly loose stool lasting longer than four weeks. A patient history and physical examination with a complete blood count, C-reactive protein, anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (IgA), total IgA, and a basic metabolic panel are useful ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0415/p472.html
Disorders of Puberty: An Approach to Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2017 - Disorders of puberty can profoundly impact physical and psychosocial well-being. Precocious puberty is pubertal onset before eight years of age in girls and before nine years of age in boys. Patients with early isolated pubertal changes, prepubertal linear growth, and no worrisome ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1101/p590.html
Glucose Management in Hospitalized Patients - American Family Physician
Nov 15, 2017 - Glucose management in hospitalized patients poses challenges to physicians, including identifying blood glucose targets, judicious use of oral diabetes mellitus medications, and implementing appropriate insulin regimens. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to deleterious effects ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1115/p648.html
Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2018 - Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks. Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans, antiemetics, ergot alkaloids, and combination analgesics have evidence supporting their effectiveness in the treatment of migraine. Acetaminophen ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0215/p243.html
Headache - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on headaches and related issues, including cluster headaches, migraines, tension-type headaches, and treatment of headaches. This collection features AFP content on headaches and related issues, including cluster headaches, migraines, tension-type ...
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Complications and Special Situations
- Editorials and Letters
- Improving Practice
- Patient Education, Self-Care
- Other AFP Content
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=10
Diabetes Mellitus: Screening and Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2016 - Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diagnoses made by family physicians. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, limb amputation, kidney failure, and vascular and heart disease. Screening patients before signs and symptoms develop leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p103.html
Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2019 - Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent chronic skin disease in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people per year, mostly adolescents and young adults. Potential sequelae of acne, such as scarring, dyspigmentation, and low self-esteem, may result in significant morbidity. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/1015/p475.html
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2015 - Skin and soft tissue infections result from microbial invasion of the skin and its supporting structures. Management is determined by the severity and location of the infection and by patient comorbidities. Infections can be classified as simple (uncomplicated) or complicated ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0915/p474.html
Musculoskeletal Care - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on musculoskeletal care and related issues, including fracture management, joint aspiration, joint injections, pain in various parts of the body (foot and ankle; neck and back; hip; knee; arm and shoulder; and wrist and hand). This collection ...
- Joint Injections/Aspiration
- Fracture Management
- Foot and Ankle
- Neck and Back
- Hip
- Knee
- Arm and Shoulder
- Wrist and Hand
- Athletic and Child/Adolescent Conditions
- Editorials and Letters
- Improving Practice
- Patient Education, Self-Care
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=17
Blood Product Transfusion in Adults: Indications, Adverse Reactions, and Modifications ...
Jul 1, 2020 - Millions of units of blood products are transfused annually to patients in the United States. Red blood cells are transfused to improve oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with or at high risk of developing symptomatic anemia. Restrictive transfusion thresholds with lower hemoglobin ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p30.html
Top 20 Research Studies of 2019 for Primary Care Physicians - American Family Physician
May 15, 2020 - In 2019, regular surveillance of 110 English-language research journals identified 254 studies that met the criteria to become POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters). Physician members of the Canadian Medical Association rated these POEMs for their relevance to patients in their...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p608.html
Heart Failure - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on heart failure and related issues, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), cardiomyopathy, cardioverter-defibrillators, congestive heart failure, and diastolic and systolic heart failure. This...
- Overview
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Complications and Special Situations
- Editorials and Letters
- Patient Education, Self-Care
- Other AFP Content
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=26
Asthma - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on asthma and related issues, including allergens, beta agonists, chronic cough, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, inhalers, and wheezing. This collection features AFP content on asthma and related issues, including allergens, beta agonists, ...
- Overview
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Complications and Special Situations
- Editorials and Letters
- Improving Practice
- Patient Education, Self-Care
- Other AFP Content
- Other Resources from AAFP
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=3
Depression: Screening and Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Oct 15, 2018 - Depression affects an estimated 8% of persons in the United States and accounts for more than $210 billion in health care costs annually. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend screening for depression in the general adult ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1015/p508.html
Back Pain in Children and Adolescents - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2020 - Back pain is a relatively common presenting symptom in children and adolescents. Typical causes include muscle strain or spasm, spinal deformities (e.g., Scheuermann kyphosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis), spondylolysis, bulging or herniated intervertebral disks, apophysitis of the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p19.html
Chronic Kidney Disease: Detection and Evaluation - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2017 - Chronic kidney disease affects 47 million people in the United States and is associated with significant health care costs, morbidity, and mortality. Because this disease can silently progress to advanced stages, early detection is critical for initiating timely interventions. Multiple ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p776.html
Kidney Stones: Treatment and Prevention - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2019 - Kidney stones are a common disorder, with an annual incidence of eight cases per 1,000 adults. During an episode of renal colic, the first priority is to rule out conditions requiring immediate referral to an emergency department, then to alleviate pain, preferably with a nonsteroidal ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0415/p490.html
Mechanical Low Back Pain - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - Low back pain is usually nonspecific or mechanical. Mechanical low back pain arises intrinsically from the spine, intervertebral disks, or surrounding soft tissues. Clinical clues, or red flags, may help identify cases of nonmechanical low back pain and prompt further evaluation or ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/p421.html
Ingrown Toenail Management - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2019 - Ingrown toenails account for approximately 20% of foot problems in primary care. The great toe is most often affected. Ingrown toenails occur most commonly in young men, and nail care habits and footwear are most often contributory factors. No consensus has been reached for the best ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0801/p158.html
Management of Fever in Infants and Young Children - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2020 - Despite dramatic reductions in the rates of bacteremia and meningitis since the 1980s, febrile illness in children younger than 36 months continues to be a concern with potentially serious consequences. Factors that suggest serious infection include age younger than one month, poor ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0615/p721.html
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2016 - Acute bacterial prostatitis is an acute infection of the prostate gland that causes pelvic pain and urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria, urinary frequency, and urinary retention, and may lead to systemic symptoms, such as fevers, chills, nausea, emesis, and malaise. Although the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p114.html
Amenorrhea: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2019 - Menstrual patterns can be an indicator of overall health and self-perception of well-being. Primary amenorrhea, defined as the lifelong absence of menses, requires evaluation if menarche has not occurred by 15 years of age or three years post-thelarche. Secondary amenorrhea is ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0701/p39.html
Acute Coronary Syndrome: Current Treatment - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2017 - Acute coronary syndrome continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Family physicians need to identify and mitigate risk factors early, as well as recognize and respond to acute coronary syndrome events quickly in any clinical setting. Diagnosis ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0215/p232.html
Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults: Diagnosis and Management - American Family ...
Nov 1, 2016 - Community-acquired pneumonia is a leading cause of death. Risk factors include older age and medical comorbidities. Diagnosis is suggested by a history of cough, dyspnea, pleuritic pain, or acute functional or cognitive decline, with abnormal vital signs (e.g., fever, tachycardia) and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1101/p698.html
Cervical Colposcopy: Indications and Risk Assessment - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2020 - The practice of colposcopy, a diagnostic procedure to evaluate for vaginal, vulvar, and cervical dysplasia, has evolved to incorporate patient risk factors for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer. Changes in cervical cancer screening and guidelines, human ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0701/p39.html
Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
May 15, 2020 - Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease affecting one in 10 people in their lifetime. Atopic dermatitis is caused by a complex interaction of immune dysregulation, epidermal gene mutations, and environmental factors that disrupts ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0515/p590.html
Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and related issues, including anticoagulation, heparin therapy, and venous thromboembolism. This collection features AFP content on deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and related issues, including...
- Overview
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Complications and Special Situations
- Improving Practice
- Patient Education, Self-Care
- Other AFP Content
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=69
Severe Asymptomatic Hypertension: Evaluation and Treatment - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2017 - Hypertension affects one-third of Americans and is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal disease, and death. Severe asymptomatic hypertension is defined as severely elevated blood pressure (180 mm Hg or more systolic, or 110 mm Hg or more ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0415/p492.html
Coronary Artery Disease/Coronary Heart Disease - American Family Physician
Jun 1, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD) and related issues, including acute coronary syndrome, angina, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. This collection features AFP content on coronary artery disease ...
- Screening and Diagnosis
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Complications and Special Situations
- Editorials and Letters
- Improving Practice
- Patient Education, Self-Care
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=4
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) -- FPM Topic Collection
Mar 30, 2020 - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The ...
- NEW: Audio Content Available
- Virtual Visits
- Patient Care
- Coding & Payment
- Advocacy
- Physician Wellness
- Other Resources
Family Practice Management : Topic Collections
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=113
First Trimester Bleeding: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2019 - Approximately one-fourth of pregnant women will experience bleeding in the first trimester. The differential diagnosis includes threatened abortion, early pregnancy loss, and ectopic pregnancy. Pain and heavy bleeding are associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0201/p166.html
A Stepwise Approach to the Interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests - American Family...
Mar 1, 2014 - Office-based pulmonary function testing, also known as spirometry, is a powerful tool for primary care physicians to diagnose and manage respiratory problems. An obstructive defect is indicated by a low forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, which...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0301/p359.html
Skin Conditions - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on common skin conditions and related issues, including acne, dermatitis, dermatologic emergencies, generalized rash, lichen planus, nail disorders, newborn skin, office procedures, premalignant lesions, and psoriasis. This collection features AFP ...
- Examination, Signs, Symptoms
- Acne
- Cancer, Premalignant Lesions
- Dermatitis
- Folliculitis
- Hyperhidrosis
- Infections
- Lichen Planus
- Nail Disorders
- Psoriasis
- Procedures
- Ulcers
- Editorials and Letters
- Improving Practice
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=21
Diagnosis and Management of Tinea Infections - American Family Physician
Nov 15, 2014 - Tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes and are classified by the involved site. The most common infections in prepubertal children are tinea corporis and tinea capitis, whereas adolescents and adults are more likely to develop tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1115/p702.html
Failure to Thrive: A Practical Guide - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2016 - Children with very low weight for age or height and those who do not maintain an appropriate growth pattern may have failure to thrive (FTT), also known as weight faltering. If confirmed by repeated valid measurements, FTT should prompt a search for causes of undernutrition, including ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0815/p295.html
Dog and Cat Bites - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2014 - Animal bites account for 1% of all emergency department visits in the United States and more than $50 million in health care costs per year. Most animal bites are from a dog, usually one known to the victim. Most dog bite victims are children. Bite wounds should be cleaned, copiously ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0815/p239.html
Epididymitis: An Overview - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2016 - Inflammation of the epididymis, or epididymitis, is commonly seen in the outpatient setting. Etiology and treatment are based on patient age and the likely causative organisms. Epididymitis presents as the gradual onset of posterior scrotal pain that may be accompanied by urinary ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1101/p723.html
Anemia - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2018 - This collection features AFP content on anemia and related issues, including blood transfusions, iron deficiency and iron supplementation, macrocytosis, microcytosis, and thalassemia. This collection features AFP content on anemia and related issues, including blood transfusions, iron ...
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=2
Prenatal Care - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on prenatal care and related issues, including preconception care, folic acid, medication safety, nausea and vomiting, pregnancy complications, and prenatal screening. This collection features AFP content on prenatal care and related issues, ...
- Overview
- Medication Safety
- Hyperemesis
- Complications and Special Situations
- Editorials and Letters
- Improving Practice
- Patient Education, Self-Care
- Other Resources from AAFP
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=25
Noninfectious Penile Lesions - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2018 - Noninfectious penile lesions are classified by clinical presentation as papulosquamous (e.g., psoriasis), inflammatory (e.g., lichen sclerosus, lichen nitidus, lichen planus), vascular (e.g., angiokeratomas), or neoplastic (e.g., carcinoma in situ, invasive squamous cell carcinoma). ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0115/p102.html
Otitis Media: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2013 - Acute otitis media is diagnosed in patients with acute onset, presence of middle ear effusion, physical evidence of middle ear inflammation, and symptoms such as pain, irritability, or fever. Acute otitis media is usually a complication of eustachian tube dysfunction that occurs during ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/1001/p435.html
Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: Current Therapy - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 2017 - Pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis are the two most important manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is the third most common life-threatening cardiovascular disease in the United States. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of VTE treatment. Most patients with deep...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0301/p295.html
Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2017 - Hair loss is often distressing and can have a significant effect on the patient’s quality of life. Patients may present to their family physician first with diffuse or patchy hair loss. Scarring alopecia is best evaluated by a dermatologist. Nonscarring alopecias can be readily ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0915/p371.html
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician
Jun 15, 2020 - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is noncardiogenic pulmonary edema that manifests as rapidly progressive dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxemia. Diagnostic criteria include onset within one week of a known insult or new or worsening respiratory symptoms, profound hypoxemia, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0615/p730.html
Frequent Headaches: Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2020 - Most frequent headaches are typically migraine or tension-type headaches and are often exacerbated by medication overuse. Repeated headaches can induce central sensitization and transformation to chronic headaches that are intractable, are difficult to treat, and cause significant ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0401/p419.html
Office Spirometry: Indications and Interpretation - American Family Physician
Mar 15, 2020 - High-quality, office-based spirometry provides diagnostic information as useful and reliable as testing performed in a pulmonary function laboratory. Spirometry may be used to monitor progression of lung disease and response to therapy. A stepwise approach to spirometry allows for ease ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/0315/p362.html
Family Planning and Contraception - American Family Physician
May 15, 2020 - This collection features AFP content on family planning and contraception, including emergency contraception, hormonal and non-hormonal contraception, infertility, in vitro fertilization, intrauterine devices, preconception care, tubal sterilization, and vasectomy. This collection ...
- Preconception Care
- Infertility
- Contraception - Non-hormonal
- Contraception - Hormonal
- Contraception - Emergency
- Complications and Special Situations
- Editorials and Letters
- Patient Education, Self-Care
- Other AFP Content
American Family Physician : AFP By Topic
https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=71
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Gout - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2014 - Gout is characterized by painful joint inflammation, most commonly in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, resulting from precipitation of monosodium urate crystals in a joint space. Gout is typically diagnosed using clinical criteria from the American College of Rheumatology. Diagnosis...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/1215/p831.html