Finding Relief for Vertigo Symptoms in Ménière’s Disease

Finding Relief for Vertigo Symptoms in Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease (MD) is an idiopathic disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of vertigo, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness. The development of endolymphatic hydrops – an increased fluid within the inner ear organ – is observed (or presumed) in all individuals with MD. Vertigo symptoms can be managed through a combination of dietary salt restriction, stress reduction and medical therapy (betahistine, diuretics, or both).

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021

Increased Empathy Means Better Care

Increased Empathy Means Better Care

Empathy plays a critical interpersonal and societal role, enabling sharing of experiences, needs and desires between individuals and providing an emotional bridge that promotes prosocial behaviour. This capacity requires an exquisite interplay of neural networks and enables us to perceive the emotions of others, resonate with them emotionally and cognitively, to take in the perspective of others, and to distinguish between our own and others’ emotions.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021

Enhancing Immune Response to Cutaneous Malignancies with Imiquimod

Enhancing Immune Response to Cutaneous Malignancies with Imiquimod

Imiquimod is a synthetic imidazoquinolone amine, which has potent immune response modifier activity when used topically. This characteristic property of imiquimod has led to its use in a number of applications in dermatology, particularly in cutaneous malignancies, where it has been found to be effective and safe. Currently it is used to treat actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and external genital warts.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021

Issue 4 2021

The latest edition of Modern Medicine is now available for you to read. We have some great articles featured in this edition:

  • Ethics (CPD) – Weight is a stigma and a barrier to care
  • Cardiology (CPD) – Acute Stroke : Preventing stroke and managing complications
  • Telehealth – Tranquility Online: Counselling in the virtual age
  • Paediatric Psychiatry (CPD) – Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • … and many more !

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

Post-menopause HRT Needs the Right Progestogen

Post-menopause HRT Needs the Right Progestogen

Menopause is a normal life event for women and so it is not an illness or a medical condition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally a safe, effective treatment of menopause and as such should be considered for many more women than it has been in the recent past. Women with a uterus require a progestogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and the risk of endometrial cancer associated with the use of unopposed oestrogen.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021

‘Partners in Crime’: Viral and Bacterial Co-infections

‘Partners in Crime’: Viral and Bacterial Co-infections

Viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Frequently, viruses and bacteria can co-infect the same host, resulting in heightened pathology and severity of illness compared to single infections. Physical damage to respiratory cells as a result of viral infection may lead to opportunistic adherence of bacteria. Enhanced bacterial adherence by specific mechanisms has been documented for respiratory cells infected with influenza A virus, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021

Keep One Step Ahead of 2021’s Flu with Quadrivalent Vaccine

Keep One Step Ahead of 2021’s Flu with Quadrivalent Vaccine

Each year, severe illness caused by influenza (flu) affects between 3 and 5 million people worldwide, with up to 650 000 deaths – over 11 000 of these in South Africa. Almost 50% of the 47 000 South Africans afflicted by severe flu every year require hospitalisation. Preventing severe flu will decrease the burden on the healthcare system.3a Vaccination against the flu is therefore strongly recommended by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, as co-circulation with SARS-CoV-2 is very likely.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021