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Management of Asthma: Role of Primary Care Physician
Effective asthma treatment requires routinely tracking symptoms and measuring how well your lungs are working. Patients with persistent asthma require medications that provide long-term control of their disease and medications that provide quick relief of symptoms.
About the Speaker
Dr Vivek Singh
Director Pulmonology & Lung transplant at Medanta
Upcoming Case Discussions
H. pylori Treatment with PYELRA®: Best Practices
PYLERA® is a medication used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a common cause of stomach ulcers and gastritis. It contains a combination of three active ingredients: bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline. This combination works synergistically to eradicate H. pylori bacteria and reduce associated symptoms. Treatment with PYLERA® typically involves taking multiple capsules four times a day for a specified duration, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the treatment regimen as directed and to discuss potential side effects
Osteoporosis: Basic Facts
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant complication following childbirth, characterized by excessive bleeding within 24 hours of delivery. It's a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. PPH can occur due to various factors, including uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract), trauma during childbirth, retained placental tissue, or coagulation disorders. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent severe consequences. Management typically involve uterine massage, administration of uterotonic medications, uterine artery embolization, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions like hysterectomy. Timely and effective management strategies are essential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with PPH. Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and structural deterioration, leading to an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the spine, hips, and wrists. It often develops silently over years, with no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Factors such as aging, hormonal changes, inadequate nutrition (especially calcium and vitamin D deficiency), sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications contribute to its development. Prevention and management strategies include weight-bearing exercises, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors, and sometimes medication to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk. Early detection through bone density testing and proactive intervention are crucial in mitigating its impact on individuals' health and quality of life.
Case Scenario: Role of Point Care Ultrasound in NICU
Point-of-care ultrasound in the NICU allows for early diagnosis of various conditions such as respiratory distress, intraventricular hemorrhage, and congenital heart defects, aiding in timely interventions. POCUS enables real-time bedside monitoring of neonatal patients, providing immediate feedback on cardiac function, lung status, and fluid balance without the need for transportation to a separate imaging facility. Unlike traditional imaging modalities such as X-rays and CT scans, POCUS uses ultrasound waves that do not involve ionizing radiation, making it safer for frequent use in critically ill neonates. POCUS helps assess hemodynamics, including cardiac output, systemic and pulmonary blood flow, and evaluation of ductus arteriosus patency, guiding treatment decisions in hemodynamically unstable infants. Lung ultrasound provides rapid assessment of lung aeration and helps differentiate between different lung pathologies, aiding in the management of respiratory distress syndrome and other respiratory conditions. POCUS devices are portable and easy to use at the bedside, allowing neonatologists and intensivists to obtain immediate diagnostic information during rounds or emergent situations.
Oral Cancer Awareness: Strategies for Prevention
Promoting oral cancer awareness through educational campaigns aimed at informing the public about risk factors, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Encouraging individuals to quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption significantly reduces the risk of developing oral cancer, as these are major contributing factors. Emphasizing a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants, can help reduce the risk of oral cancer and support overall oral health. Routine dental visits for oral examinations and screenings play a vital role in detecting precancerous lesions or early-stage oral cancers, enabling prompt intervention and treatment. Encouraging vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), a known risk factor for oral cancer, especially among adolescents and young adults, can reduce the risk of developing HPV-related oral cancers. Teaching individuals how to perform self-examinations of their oral cavity to identify any changes or abnormalities, such as persistent sores or lumps, encourages early detection and timely medical evaluation.
Management of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, imaging studies (like high-resolution CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and sometimes lung biopsies. Treatment often involves medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (like azathioprine or mycophenolate), and antifibrotic drugs (such as pirfenidone or nintedanib) to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.Supplemental oxygen therapy is commonly prescribed to relieve shortness of breath and improve oxygen levels in the blood. This program combines exercise training, education, and breathing techniques to improve overall physical condition and quality of life. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis should receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered for eligible patients to improve survival and quality of life. Treatments like nutritional support, psychological counseling, and palliative care can provide comprehensive support and symptom management.