The Stepwise Approach to Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation (CC) is an extremely common disorder with an estimated prevalence ranging between 2% and 24%. The prevalence of CC increases with age and may reach 80% in nursing home residents. Constipation has severe consequences for the quality of life of those affected and costs to individual patients and to society in general are significant.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018
Evidence-based Chiropractic Referral an Option for Spinal Pain
Employing an evidence-based approach is a necessity for the modern day clinician. The treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders is one domain within the realm of healthcare that is, historically, poorly managed in this regard; this is particularly evident in terms of pain of spinal origin.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018
We welcome you to come and read through our latest, May/June, edition of Modern Medicine.
This month we have a jam packed edition for you. Our features this month include; Ethics, Pharmacology, Dermatology, Flu and many more.
We encourage all of our readers to complete the CPD questionnaire for this edition, this can be done on the answer-form included in the magazine, or on our website CPD system.
Modern Medicine, the journal that’s with you wherever you go.
Systemic Sclerosis A step-by-step guide to a difficult diagnosis
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis. Adultonset Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s phenomenon complicated by digital ulceration or infarction should prompt consideration of connective tissue disorders including SSc. Early identification of severe, lifethreatening organ manifestations can result in improved quality of life and survival. Management of patients with SSc is multifaceted and dependent on individual disease manifestations.
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018
Probiotics are live microorganisms, found in fermented foods, cultured milk and are used for infant food. They are well-known as “health friendly bacteria”, which exhibit various beneficial properties such as prevention of bowel diseases, improving the immune system, for lactose intolerance and intestinal microbial balance, exhibiting antihypercholesterolemic and antihypertensive effects, alleviation of postmenopausal disorders and reducing traveller’s diarrhoea. Modulation of the gut-brain by probiotics has been suggested as a novel therapeutic solution for anxiety and depression.
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018
Echinacea – Cutting Cold and Flu Duration
Cold weather and respiratory disease, including flu, go hand in hand. Research has shown that cold spells are reliably followed by upticks in the number of deaths from respiratory disease. Some of this may have to do with a few infectious organisms, like flu viruses, thriving in colder temperatures, but there’s also evidence that exposure to cold temperatures suppresses the immune system, providing opportunities for infections to increase. Natural therapeutics in the form of nutritional supplementation and immune-stimulating and antiviral botanicals can support the body’s natural defences, potentially decreasing the incidence of colds and flu, shortening the duration and decreasing the intensity of symptoms and preventing complications
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018
Antimicrobial Stewardship – Some Strategies
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has been touted as one of the key strategies required in tackling worldwide escalation of antibiotic resistance. Although AMS has optimised antibiotic usage and reduced the incidence of resistance development in some regions, it is evident at present that the worldwide rate of antibiotic resistance development has shown no sign of slowing down whilst the global consumption of antibiotics continues to rise over the years.
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018
The Impact of Aging on Women’s Fertility
Infertility is common – approximately 10% to 15% of couples have difficulty conceiving a child. In young, healthy couples, the probability of conception in one reproductive cycle is typically 20% to 25% and in one year it is approximately 90%.1 An evaluation is commonly recommended after one year of unprotected intercourse without conception, the standard clinical definition of infertility. As women age, their fertility declines and the rate of miscarriages increases.
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Assessment and Surveillance
Aortic aneurysms are a common incidental finding in elderly patients and are often asymptomatic. Common risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) include older age, male gender, smoking and hypertension. There is a strong familial prevalence of AAA and screening should be considered in patients with a familial history of AAA from 50 years of age. Ultrasound is a useful non-invasive investigation for initial diagnosis and surveillance of AAA. Once an AAA reaches 5.5cm in men or 5.0cm in women, the risk of rupture is generally greater than the risk of operative morbidity and mortality.
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018
Managing Lipid Abnormalities in Type 2 Diabetes
Lipid abnormalities are present in over 60% of people with diabetes. The decision to initiate lipid lowering treatment should be based on absolute cardiovascular risk. Calculation of cardiovascular risk is appropriate in most people with diabetes. Statins are firstline therapy for prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. Elevated triglyceride levels are common in people with diabetes and treatment may be beneficial in some patients.
Modern Medicine – May/June 2018