The use of Probiotics and Supplements in Children
Data on the use of probiotics and supplements in children are limited; however, a definite role has been shown for probiotics in gastrointestinal disease. Dietary supplements are important in treating deficiencies and insufficiencies when a child’s nutritional status is impaired, although an optimal well-balanced diet is the best way to maintain sufficient intake of essential micronutrients.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Treating Allergic Conjunctivitis Stops Ocular Surface Disease
The diagnosis of allergic diseases has increased in the last few decades and allergic conjunctivitis has emerged as a significant problem, which can cause severe ocular surface disease. Patients complain of itching, watering and redness. It can result in decreased quality of life, as patients with severe symptoms, if left untreated or treated poorly, may become school dropouts, unable to work outdoors and sometimes fail to sleep. The symptoms are aggravated by exposure to dry and windy climates.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Stroke Prevention Medical interventions for everyday practice
Paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation associated with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of one or more for men, and two or more for women should prompt consideration of anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk. High-risk patients with atrial fibrillation remain significantly undertreated. Older patients, despite having a high risk of falls, are nevertheless likely to benefit from anticoagulation. Perioperative bridging anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation is not routinely recommended. Direct oral anticoagulant drugs should be ceased 24 to 48 hours before procedures. Asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease should be treated medically. Antiplatelet medication for secondary prevention has most benefit when given early after stroke or transient ischaemic attack.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Sustained Quality Patient Care is Rooted in the Health of the Practitioner
Burnout is neither a new concept, nor a new experience to many who work in the demanding environment of healthcare. Service in the healthcare industry equates to patient care. The recent rise in litigation could be influenced by medical practitioner burnout. Burnout is on the rise due to poor working conditions, long hours and emotional intensity. Understanding personal energy, maintaining perspective, working in cycle and creating daily mini-breaks area practical approach to helping
burnout.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Depression’s Links to Heart Disease
A substantial percentage of people with no history of depression become depressed after a heart attack or after developing heart failure. People with depression,with no previously detected heart disease, seem to develop heart disease at a higher rate than the general population.
Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018
Modern Medicine invites you to attend the World Congress of Internal Medicine (WCIM) that is coming up in Cape Town at the end of October. We look forward to seeing you there! Click on the above image to find out more.
We welcome you to come and read through our latest, June/July, edition of Modern Medicine.
This month we have a jam packed edition for you. Our features this month include; Ethics, Gastroenterology, Back Pain, UTIs 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.
With Back Pain, Also Consider Incontinence and Breathing Disorders
The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction in adult populations are well documented. LBP is the 5th most common reason for doctor visits in the US, with an annual point prevalence of approximately 25%. Bladder and bowel dysfunction may be more prevalent than LBP in some populations yet, due to the stigmatising nature of these symptoms, providers may be unaware that their patients are struggling with these conditions.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018
Echinacea Reduces Rhinovirus Infection Rate
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) commonly occurs in both children and adults and is a major cause of mild morbidity. It has a high cost to society, being responsible for absenteeism from school and work and unnecessary medical care and is occasionally associated with serious sequelae. URTIs are usually caused by several families of virus. Of these, rhinoviruses and coronaviruses are responsible for approximately 50-70% of all colds.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018
Relevance of IgE Levels to Allergy Testing
Traditionally, the concept of allergy implied an abnormal response to an otherwise benign agent with an easily identifiable relationship between exposure and disease. However, there are syndromes in which the relationship between exposure to the relevant allergen and the “allergic” disease is not clear. In these cases the presence of specific IgE antibodies can play an important role in identifying the relevant allergen and provide a guide to therapy. Good examples include chronic asthma and exposure to perennial indoor allergens and asthma related to fungal infection.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018