Management of Sarcoidosis
Management of Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas, particularly in the lungs, but also throughout the rest of the body. The etiology is unknown,…
Management of the Common Cold
Management of the Common Cold William A. Kormos The term common cold describes a self-limited catarrhal illness caused by a variety of respiratory viruses. It is indeed a common problem,…
Approach to the Patient with Tuberculosis
Approach to the Patient with Tuberculosis Benjamin Davis The primary care physician most commonly encounters tuberculosis (TB) as a positive tuberculin screening test in the absence of active infection (see…
Management of Asthma
Management of Asthma Asthma affects an estimated 5% to 7% of the US population, impairing daily functioning and accounting for much health care utilization by children and adults. Although there…
Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 5% of the adult population and is the fourth leading cause of death and twelfth leading cause of…
Approach to the Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Approach to the Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Transient episodes of breathing cessation (apnea) or a marked reduction in airflow (hypopnea) are common during sleep. Among adults, it is estimated…
Evaluation of Clubbing
Evaluation of Clubbing The term clubbing refers to enlargement and sponginess of the nail beds of the fingers and toes and reduction in the angle created by the nail and…
Evaluation of the Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Evaluation of the Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Solitary pulmonary nodules are incidental findings on chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) images. They are defined as round lesions less than 3 cm…
Evaluation of Pleural Effusions
Evaluation of Pleural Effusions Most pleural effusions encountered in the physician’s office are incidental findings, but they often pose a diagnostic challenge. Of major concern are the possibilities of exudative…
Evaluation of Hemoptysis
Evaluation of Hemoptysis Hemoptysis is the coughing up of either blood-tinged or grossly bloody sputum. Because of its well-known associations with cancer and tuberculosis (TB), hemoptysis is an alarming symptom…
