Managing Bacterial Causes of Swimmer’s Ear

Managing Bacterial Causes of Swimmer’s Ear

Ear pain is one of the most common reasons for visits to primary care doctors. Causes include inner ear infections (otitis media), external ear infections (otitis externa), foreign bodies and trauma. Otitis media is the most common cause of ear pain, occurs primarily in young children, peaks during the winter months and is associated with respiratory infections. In contrast, otitis externa is regularly associated with swimming and diving (often called “swimmer’s ear”), affects all ages 7-9 and peaks during the summer.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2019

To Stop HAIs, Wipe Out Surface Bacteria

To Stop HAIs, Wipe Out Surface Bacteria

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, and reducing their burden has become a clinical priority. Traditionally, HAIs have been associated with hospital care; however, increasingly it is recognised that they also occur within GP surgeries, care homes, mental health facilities, ambulances and people’s own homes.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2019

Hypertension in People with Diabetes Modern trends in management

Hypertension in People with Diabetes Modern trends in management

The major cause of mortality in diabetes remains cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, any risk factors associated with CVD must be aggressively treated in patients with diabetes. Hypertension is one of these risk factors and should be appropriately managed in such individuals. The advent of new glucose lowering drugs such as sodium-glucose cotransporter
2 inhibitors may provide clinicians with additional opportunity to reduce BP.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2019

When Kids Wet the Bed, Parental Understanding is Key

When Kids Wet the Bed, Parental Understanding is Key

Nocturnal enuresis can be a devastating experience for children and young people as it may lead to feelings of guilt, embarrassment and shame, determined avoidance of social activities, a sense of difference from others, victimisation and a loss of self-esteem, although there is little evidence to suggest psychological disturbance where the child has monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2019

Substance Abuse Among Healthcare Professionals, a Little Discussed Subject

Substance Abuse Among Healthcare Professionals, a Little Discussed Subject

Healthcare workers are known to have an equal rate of alcohol and illegal drug use as the general public. However, healthcare workers are far more likely to abuse prescription medications. It is estimated that approximately 10% to 14% of all healthcare professionals will misuse drugs or alcohol at some time during their career. Higher rates of abuse have been seen more frequently with benzodiazepines and opioid narcotics. Any healthcare worker who has access to controlled substances is at risk for drug diversion and substance abuse.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2019

Do Placebos Have a Place in the Therapeutic Toolbox?

Do Placebos Have a Place in the Therapeutic Toolbox?

Placebos are substances and interventions that lack specific efficacy in treating a patient’s condition based on the inherent properties of the treatment. Placebo effects refer to neurobiological and clinical changes produced by a placebo administration or active treatment given in a certain context. Assuming that placebo effects can be harnessed to achieve better outcomes than usual medical care, whether and how doctors may recommend treatments that lack any specific efficacy remains controversial.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2019

Issue 5 2019

Issue 5 of Modern Medicine for 2019 is here, and it’s big and bright and full of great stories. This edition will also be available at the upcoming SA Heart Conference, due to take place at the Sandton ICC at the end of October – we look forward to seeing you there.

This edition of the magazine includes articles on Women’s health, Cardiology, Oncology, Pain, Ethics, and much more. Have a look through and I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking to read in it.

Also, a reminder that, not only do we have CPD questions available within the magazine itself, we also have an online CPD portal that allows you to score even more points by simply completing your test online

Modern Medicine, the journal that’s with you wherever you go.

The Atypical Opioids Buprenorphine, tramadol and tapentadolmorphine

The Atypical Opioids Buprenorphine, tramadol and tapentadolmorphine

There are many differences between conventional and atypical opioids, including different efficacies, adverse effects and toxicities, as well as risk of abuse. These factors should be considered when prescribing opioids for chronic pain conditions. Atypical opioids differ from conventional opioids as they do not rely exclusively on mu-receptor agonism for their analgesic effect.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2019