Before answering, be forewarned it is kind of a trick question.
For both adult and pediatric patients, asthma is one of the more common diagnoses we encounter in our clinics, EDs, and hospitals. And despite our best efforts to encourage Continue reading
Aspirin use in gout patients can be challenging. Indeed, aspirin embodies the yin and yang of medical practice. At low-doses, it can be cardioprotective but it also blocks urate excretion by the kidneys. At higher doses Continue reading
The following comments are from Bill Hunter, MD, Medical Director of Open Door Community Health Centers, based in Arcata with clinic sites in many Northern California communities:
I was confused by your recent blog post on topical NSAIDs Continue reading
A landmark study from turn-of-the-century England documented that a teaspoon dose of sucrose could improve medication administration and palatability (Poppins M, et.al, 1910, referenced at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Spoonful_of_Sugar). But what if Continue reading
Osteoarthritis pain is one of the more frustrating problems we primary care clinicians have to manage. It is a ubiquitous problem. It is a bothersome complaint. And treatment options are not great. NSAID’s can provide some relief, but Continue reading
Something has clearly gone awry with our efforts to manage chronic non-cancer pain. Emergency departments in the U.S. are facing an epidemic of opioid overdoses. Deaths from opioid overdoses now exceed those from Continue reading
The evidence against using antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis continues to mount. Most recently, a study published in the October 4, 2013, BMJ looked at outcomes among patients treated with Augmentin, ibuprofen, or placebo. Not surprisingly, Continue reading
Adults in a residential addiction treatment center had high rates of prescription opioid use for reasons other than pain relief, according to a recent article in Clinical Psychiatry News referencing a study published in Continue reading
Osteoporosis is a significant problem in older people, especially women. Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for hip fractures, and hip fractures are quite problematic. Almost half of those who suffer a hip fracture never regain their prior level of Continue reading
We at PHC are big supporters of generic medications. They work as well as brand name drugs and cost less. Generic medications save society money and lower health care costs.
Let me also say Continue reading