Common presenting problems Flashcards
What must you rule out in patients 50+ years old presenting with abdominal pain?
AAA
What is allergic rhinitis
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is triggered by an allergic reaction
What are different classifications of allergic rhinitis
seasonal
◆ symptoms during a specific time of the year
◆ common allergens: trees, grass and weed pollens, airborne moulds
perennial
◆ symptoms throughout the year with variation in severity
◆ common allergens: dust mites, animal dander, moulds
• persistent allergic rhinitis may lead to chronic rhinosinusitis
Allergic rhinitis differential diagnosis
- Acute viral infection
- Vasomotor rhinitis
- Deviated septum
- Nasal polyps
- Acute/chronic sinusitis
- Drug-induced rhinitis
What is rhinitis medicamentosa
Rebound nasal congestion.
Occurs with prolonged use (>5-7 d) of vasoconstrictive
intranasal medications.
Patient may become dependent, requiring more frequent dosing to achieve the same decongestant effect
What is the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis
increased IgE levels to certain allergens
→ excessive degranulation of mast cells
→ release of inflammatory mediators (e.g. histamine) and cytokines
→ local inflammatory reaction
What other conditions is allergic rhinitis associated with
asthma
eczema
sinusitis
otitis media
Allergic rhinitis management
- Conservative - minimize exposure, hygiene, saline nasal rinses
- Oral antihistamines (first line therapy for mild symptoms)
Cetirizine (Reactine)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Claritin) - Intranasal corticosteroids for moderate/severe or persistent symptoms (>1 mo of consistent use to
see results) - Intranasal decongestants (use must be limited to <5 d to avoid rhinitis medicamentosa)
- Allergy skin testing
■ for patients with chronic rhinitis
■ symptoms not controlled by allergen avoidance, pharmacological therapy
■ may identify allergens to include in immunotherapy treatment - Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
■ reserved for severe cases unresponsive to pharmacologic agents
■ consists of periodic (usually weekly) subcutaneous injections of custom prepared solutions of one or
more antigens to which the patient is allergic
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
AND I C REST Anxious, nervous, or worried No control over the worry Duration >6 mo Irritability Concentration impairment Restlessness Energy decreased Sleep impairment Tension in muscles
What is the precursor to asthma
cannot be diagnosed at first presentation; called reactive airway disease until recurrent presentations
When can a child begin to do PFTs
pulmonary function tests (PFTs) can be done from age 6 or when child able to follow instructions to
do PFTs
What can be used to monitor asthma in the outpatient setting
Peak flow meter
When someone has a cough in asthma when is it typically exacerbated
Worse in cold, at night, and in early AM
COPD management ladder
Mild
Step 1: SABA prn (salbutamol)
Step 2: SABA prn + LAAC (i.e. tiotropium)
or + LABA (e.g. salmeterol)
Moderate
Step 3: SABA prn + LAAC + low-dose combined
ICS/LABA
consider inhaled vs. oral steroids
Severe
Step 4: ± theophylline
Pneumococcal vaccination, annual influenza
immunization
Asthma management ladder
Ongoing patient education, and environmental
control
SABA taken prn as rescue medication + maintenance meds
Maintenance medications
Step 1: Low-dose ICS
Step 2: Medium/high dose ICS
or low-dose ICS plus either LABA, LT modifier, or long-acting theophylline
Step 3: Medium/high-dose ICS plus either LABA, LT
modifier, or long-acting theophylline
Step 4: As above plus immunotherapy ± oral
glucocorticosteroids
+ pneumococcal vaccination, annual influenza immunization
What is the benefit of using aerosol puffers with spacers
Aerosols (puffers=MDI, MDI + spacer)
MDIs should be used with spacers to:
• Reduce side effects
• Improve amount inhaled
• Increase efficiency of use
In what population is dry powder inhalers often not used and why
Dry Powder Inhalers (discus, turbuhaler,
and diskhaler) require deep and fast
breathing (may not be ideal for children)
What is your differential diagnosis for wheezing
• Allergies, anaphylaxis • Asthma, reactive airway disease • GERD • Infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) • Obstructive Sleep Apnea • COPD • Less common: congestive heart disease, foreign body, malignancy, cystic fibrosis, vocal cord dysfunction
What electrolyte abnormality is associated with Salbutamol and how does it present
lethargy, irritability
paresthesias, myalgias, weakness
palpitations, N/V, polyuria
What is the pathophysiology of BPH
hyperplasia of the stroma and epithelium in the periurethral transition zone
What is the meaning of different PSA values
◆ <4.0 ng/mL: normal, but must take into account patient’s age and velocity of PSA increase
◆ 4-10 ng/mL: consider measuring free/total PSA
◆ >10 ng/mL: high likelihood of prostate pathology
When is PSA testing inappropriate
PSA testing is inappropriate in men with a life expectancy less than 10 yr or patients with prostatitis,
UTI
What investigations should be completed for BPH
■ Urinalysis - exclude UTI and for microscopic hematuria (common sign)
■ Cr, BUN
■ post-void residual volume by ultrasound
■ urodynamic studies, renal ultrasound
■ patient voiding diary
What are late complications of BPH
Hydronephrosis
Loss of renal concentrating ability
Systemic acidosis
Renal failure
Management for mild or non bothersome BPH
■ fluid restriction (avoid alcohol and caffeine)
■ avoidance/monitoring of certain medications (e.g. antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants,
decongestants)
■ pelvic floor/Kegel exercises
■ bladder retraining (scheduled voiding)
Pharmacological therapy for moderate/severe BPH symptoms
■ α-receptor antagonists (e.g. terazosin [Hytrin®], doxazosin [Cardura®], tamsulosin [Flomax®],
alfuzosin [Xatral®])
◆ relaxation of smooth muscle around the prostate and bladder neck
■ 5-α reductase inhibitor (e.g finasteride [Proscar®])
◆ only for patients with demonstrated prostatic enlargement due to BPH
◆ inhibits enzyme responsible for conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) thus
reducing growth of prostate
■ phytotherapy (e.g saw palmetto berry extract, Pygeum africanum)
◆ more studies required before this can be recommended as standard therapy (considered safe)
Surgical management options for BPH
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate)
TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate, for
prostates <30 g)
Absolute indications for surgical management of BPH
failed medical therapy
intractable urinary retention
benign prostatic obstruction leading to renal insufficiency
Surgical management of BPH potential complications
impotence
incontinence
ejaculatory difficulties (retrograde ejaculation)
decreased libido
What is the definition of acute bronchitis
acute infection of the tracheobronchial tree causing inflammation leading to bronchial edema and
mucus formation
Clinical triad of pericarditis
Pleuritic chest pain (increases with inspiration or when
reclining, and is lessened by leaning forward)
Pericardial friction rub
ECG changes (diffuse ST segment elevation and PR interval depression without T wave inversion
How can MI present in elderly females?
Elderly women can often present with dizziness, lightheadedness, back pain, or weakness, in the absence of chest pain
How can MI present in diabetic patients?
May present with dyspnea, syncope, and
fatigue in the absence of chest pain
Management of angina/ischemic heart disease?
nitroglycerin (NTG): wait 5 min between sprays and if no effect after 3 sprays, send to ED
Management of myocardial infarction?
■ ASA (160-325 mg, chewed stat), clopidogrel (Plavix®), LMWH (enoxaparin)
■ morphine, oxygen, NTG
■ ± reperfusion therapy with fibrinolytics if within 12 h (ideally <30 min)
or percutaneous intervention (cath lab) if <90 min
■ start β-blocker (e.g. metoprolol starting dose 25 mg PO q6h or bid, titrating to HR goal of 55-60 bpm)
Flu vs cold?
Onset
Sudden vs slow
Fever
High vs none
Exhaustion
Severe vs mild
Cough
Dry, severe or hacking vs might have
Throat
Fine vs sore
Nose
Dry vs runny
Head
Achy vs headache free
Appetite
Decreased vs normal
Muscles
Achy vs fine
Chills
Yes vs no
What is the role of echinacea in preventing and treating the common cold?
Echinacea products have not been shown to
provide benefits for treating colds, although it is possible
here is a weak benefit from some Echinacea products.
Individual prophylaxis trials consistently show positive (if
no -sign ficant) trends, although potential effects are of
questionable clinical relevance
What is the definition of the common cold (acute rhinitis)
viral URTI with inflammation
Most common organism that causes acute rhinitis
Rhinovirus
Clinical features of acute rhinitis
symptoms
■ local: nasal congestion, clear to mucopurulent secretions, sneezing, sore throat, conjunctivitis, cough
■ general: malaise, headache, myalgias, mild fever
signs
■ erythematous nasal/oropharyngeal mucosa, enlarged lymph nodes
■ normal chest exam
Complications of acute rhinitis
■ secondary bacterial infection: otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia
■ asthma/COPD exacerbation
Acute rhinitis management
• patient education
■ symptoms peak at 1-3 d and usually subside within 1 wk
■ cough may persist for days to weeks after other symptoms disappear
■ no antibiotics indicated because of viral etiology
■ secondary bacterial infection can present within 3-10 d after onset of cold symptoms
• prevention
■ frequent hand washing, avoidance of hand to mucous membrane contact, use of surface disinfectant
■ yearly influenza vaccination
• symptomatic relief
■ rest, hydration, gargling warm salt water, steam, nasal irrigation (spray/pot)
■ analgesics and antipyretics: acetaminophen, ASA (not in children because risk of Reye’s syndrome)
■ cough suppression: dextromethorphan or codeine if necessary (children under 6 yr of age should
not use any cough/cold medications)
■ decongestants, antihistamines
• patients with reactive airway disease will require increased use of bronchodilators and inhaled steroids
When can hormonal emergency contraception be used to be effective
If taken within 72 h of unprotected intercourse (reduces chance of pregnancy by 75-85%)
Most effective if taken within 24 h
Does not affect an established pregnancy
When can copper IUD emergency contraception be used to be effective
Copper IUDs inserted within 5 d of unprotected intercourse are significantly more effective than hormonal EC (reduces chance of pregnancy by ~99%)
What are the leading causes of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder)
Alzheimer’s dementia (40-50%)
Mixed dementia (20-25%)
Lewy-Body dementia (5-15%)
Vascular dementia (5-10%)
Frontotemporal dementia (5-10%)
What percentage of Canadians live with dementia and what is the risk rate
15% of Canadians ≥65 yr are living with dementia
risk for dementia doubles every 5 years after age 65
What types of dementia have a higher prevalence of depression
Vascular and mixed dementias have a higher prevalence of depression
Dementia quick screen procedure and scoring
Dementia quick screen = mini cog + animal naming
Mini Cog = 3-word recall + clock drawing • Clock Drawing – including numbers and hands so time shows 10 min past 11 (normal = correct number/hand placing or only minor spacing problems) • 0 word recall = impairment •1-2 words and clock drawing abnormal = impairment •3-word recall = normal.
• Naming animals in 1 min (normal = >15
in one min)
- Interpretation: If all 3 results within normal range, cognitive impairment unlikely
- Return for further evaluation if:
- <15 animals named
- 0-1 words recalled
- Clock Drawing Abnormal
Pharmacological management for dementia
NMDA receptor antagonists and cholinesterase inhibitors slow rate of cognitive decline
low-dose neuroleptics and antidepressants can be used to treat behavioural and emotional symptoms (20% develop clinical depression)
Criteria for depression
Criteria for Depression (≥5/9 with at least one
of anhedonia or depressed mood for ≥2 wk)
M-SIGECAPS M Depressed Mood S Increased/decreased Sleep I Decreased Interest G Guilt E Decreased Energy C Decreased Concentration A Increased/decreased Appetite and weight P Psychomotor agitation/retardation S Suicidal ideation
You start a patient on antidepressant therapy. When would you expect improvement/when would you take different action for management?
reassessment and referral recommended if no improvement after 6-8 wk of treatment
Examples of SSRIs
paroxetine (Paxil®) fluoxetine (Prozac®) sertraline (Zoloft®) citalopram (Celexa®) fluvoxamine (Luvox®) escitalopram (Cipralex®)
SSRI MOA
Block serotonin reuptake
SSRI side effects
Sexual dysfunction
Headache
GI upset, weight loss
Tremors
Insomnia, fatigue
Increase QT interval (baseline ECG is suggested)
Which SSRIs are generally used or avoided in youth
First line therapy for youth is fluoxetine
Paroxetine is not recommended for youth (controversial)
What are examples of SNRIs
venlafaxine (Effexor®)
duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
SNRI MOA
Block serotonin and NE reuptake
SNRI side effects
Insomnia, tremors, tachycardia,
sweating
SDRI examples
bupropion
SDRI MOA
Block dopamine and NE reuptake
SDRI side effects
Headache, insomnia, nightmares
Seizures
Less sexual dysfunction than SSRIs
What is the usual indication for using an SDRI
Often chosen for lack of sexual side effects, can be used for augmentation of anti-depressant effects with other classes of medication
TCA examples
Amitriptyline
TCA MOA
Block serotonin and NE reuptake
TCA side effects
Sexual dysfunction
weight gain
tremors, tachycardia, sweating
What is an important consideration when prescribing TCAs
Narrow therapeutic window, lethal in overdose
What is the prognosis of depression
- up to 40% resolve spontaneously within 6-12 mo
* risks of recurrence: 50% after 1 episode; 70% after 2 episodes; 90% after 3 episodes
Hyperglycemia symptoms
Polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria
Weight change
Blurry vision
Yeast infections
DKA symptoms
fruity breath
anorexia, N/V, abdominal pain
fatigue
Kussmaul breathing
dehydration
Hypoglycemia symptoms
Hunger
anxiety, tremors, palpitations, sweating, headache
fatigue
confusion, seizures, coma
Diabetes mellitus definition
metabolic disorder characterized by the presence of hyperglycemia due to defection insulin secretion,
defective insulin action or both
Micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes
- Microvascular: nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy
* Macrovascular: CAD, CVD, PVD
What are medications that are risk factors for diabetes mellitus
glucocorticoids
atypical antipsychotics
HAART
Who should be screened for T2DM
■ FBG in everyone ≥40 q3yr, or at high risk using the CANRISK calculator
■ more frequent and/or earlier testing if presence of ≥1 risk factor (see above)
How to calculate total insulin units required per day
type 1 DM: 0.5-0.7 units/kg/d
type 2 DM: 0.3 units/kg/d
When should ophthalmology consult occur for patients with diabetes
type 1 DM within 5 yr
type 2 DM at diagnosis
By how much can diet affect HBA1c
Decrease HbA1c by 1-2%
How often should patient be monitoring their sugars
type 1 DM: 3 or more self-tests/d is associated with a 1% reduction in HbA1c
• type 2 DM: recommendations vary based on treatment regimen
What to do if FBG >14 mmol/L
perform ketone testing to rule out DKA
What to do if bedtime sugar level is <7 mmol/L
have bedtime snack to reduce risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia
Management of T2DM with monitoring by HBA1C
- Diagnosis - Start lifestyle intervention (nutrition therapy and physical activity) ± Metformin
- If A1C <8.5% - start or increase Metformin if do not hit glycemic target in 2-3 months
- If A1C 8.5% + start metformin immediately
Conside initial combination with another antihyperglycemic agent - If symptomatic or metabolic decompensation then start insulin +/- metformin immediately
- For all of these above, if not at glycemic targets add another agent based on patient characteristics
Clinical cardiovascular disease –> add SGLT2 inhibitor with demostrated CV outcome benefit
Insulin side effects
Risk of hypoglycemia
Weight gain
Insulin secretagogue (Meglitinide, sulfonylureas) side effects
Risk of hypoglycemia
Some weight gain
Examples of sulfonylureas
Gliclazide
Glyburide
acarbose side effects
gi side effects
SGLT2 inhibitors side effects
Genital infections, UTI
hypotension
dose related changes in LDL-C
caution with renal dysfunction and loop diuretics
dapagliflozin not to be used if bladder cancer
rare diabetic ketoacidosis (may occur with no
hyperglycemia)
Thiazolidediones side effects
CHF, edema
fractures
rare bladder cancer (ploglitazone)
cardiovascular controversy (rosiglitazone)
6-12 wk required for max effect
What are ototoxic drugs that can cause dizziness
Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, streptomycin, tobramycin)
Erythromycin
ASA
antimalarials
Screening tools for domestic violence
Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST)-SHORT 1. In general how would you describe your relationship? a. A lot of tension b. Some tension c. No tension 2. Do you and your partner work out arguments with . . .? a. Great difficulty b. Some difficulty c. No difficulty
Endorsing either question 1 (“a lot of tension”)
or question 2 (“great difficulty”) makes
intimate partner violence exposure likely
B) HITS How often does your partner: 1. Physically hurt you? 2 Insult you? 3 Threaten you with harm? 4. Scream or curse at you?
Each question on HITS to be answered on a 5
point scale ranging from 1
(= never) to 5 (= frequently)
A total score of 10.5 is significant
What are the medicolegal guidelines for dealing with partner and child abuse
reporting suspected or known child abuse is mandatory
spousal abuse is a criminal act, but not reportable without the woman’s/man’s permission
DOCUMENT all evidence of abuse-related visits for medico-legal purposes
H. Pylori eradication treatment with quadruple therapy
1) PPI 1 tablet 2x/d for 10 d and
2) Amoxicillin 1 g twice a day for 5 d (day 1-5)
Followed by
3) Clarithromycin 500 mg 2x/d (day 6-10) and
4) Metronidazole 500 mg 2x/d (day 6-10
What is the cardiovascular risk of Rosiglitazone
Rosiglitazone continues to demonstrate
increased risk of MIs, though it is not associated
with increased risk of CV or all-cause mortality
Pharmacological management of dyspepsia
■gastric acid suppression: H2 blockers, PPI’s
both are effective for PUD and GERD
■ prokinetics: e.g. Metoclopramide
effective for functional dyspepsia
What needs to be done to keep a patient on a PPI
do not keep patients on PPI without at least 1 trial off the medication per year
Investigations in dyspepsia
for new onset dyspepsia, test for H. pylori using the urea breath test or serology
upper endoscopy (preferred), upper GI series (not in patients with alarm symptoms)
for non-responders, gastroscopy should be considered
Indications for treatment for urinary symptoms
- Dysuria
- +Leukocytes
- +Nitrites
If 2 or more criteria MET, then treat without culture, otherwise culture required prior to treatment
Most common etiology of UTI/cystitis
KEEPS bacteria (Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterobacter, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas, S. saprophyticus)
vardenafil (Levitra®) dosing, routine, side effects, contraindications
2.5-20 mg/dose
Take 1 h prior to intercourse
As above
As above
Most common etiology of urethritis
C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas,
Candida, herpes
Urethritis presentation
Initial dysuria, urethral/vaginal discharge, history of STI
Vaginitis most common etiology
Candida, Gardnerella, Trichomonas, C. trachomatis,
atrophic, herpes, lichen sclerosis
Vaginitis presentation
External dysuria/pain, vaginal discharge, irritation,
dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal bleeding
Prostatitis most common etiology
E. coli, C. trachomatis, S. saprophyticus, Proteus
mirabilis, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas
Prostatitis presentation
Dysuria, fever, chills, urgency, frequency, tender prostate,
rectal pain
Headache red flags
SNOOP
Systemic symptoms of illness • fever • anticoagulation • pregnancy • cancer
Neurologic signs/symptoms • impaired mental status • neck stiffness • seizures • focal neurological deficits
Onset
• sudden and severe
• new headache after age 50
Other associated conditions • following head trauma • awakens patient from sleep • jaw claudication • scalp tenderness • worse with exercise, sexual activity or Valsalva
Prior headache history
• different pattern
• rapidly progressing in severity/frequency
Tips for prevention of UTIs
•Maintain good hydration (especially with
cranberry juice) (recommendation level I)
• Wipe urethra from front to back to avoid
contamination of the urethra with feces
from the rectum
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and scented
douches
• Empty bladder immediately before and after
intercourse
Follow up for pregnant patients with UTI/cystitis
need to follow with monthly urine cultures and retreat if still infected
Indications for prophylactic antibiotics in UTI/cystitis
patients with recurrent UTIs (>3/yr) should be considered for prophylactic antibiotics
Follow up for urethritis
■ when swab or PCR is positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea must report to Public Health
■ all patients should return 4-7 d after completion of therapy for clinical evaluation
Erectile dysfunction definition
consistent or recurrent inability to attain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual
performance of ≥3 mo duration
Erectile dysfunction etiology
• organic:
vascular (90%) (arterial insufficiency, atherosclerosis)
endocrine (low testosterone, DM)
anatomic (structural abnormality, e.g. Peyronie’s)
neurologic (post-operative, DM)
medications (clonidine, antihypertensives, psychotropics)
• psychogenic (10%)
PENIS Psychogenic Endocrine (type 2 DM, testosterone) Neurogenic (type 2 DM, post-operative) Insufficiency of blood (atherosclerosis) Substances
Examples of hypoglycemic agents used in T2DM
oral
■ biguanide: metformin (Glucophage®)
■ thiazolidinedione: troglitazone (Rezulin®), rosiglitazone (Avandia®)
■ α-glucosidase inhibitor: acarbose (Precose®)
■ nonsulfonylureas: nateglinide (Starlix®), repaglinide (Gluconorm®)
■ sulfonylureas: glyburide (DiaBeta®), glimepiride (Amaryl®), gliclazide (Diamicron®)
■ DPP-4 inhibitor: sitagliptin (Januvia®)
injectable
■ GLP-1 analogue: liraglutide (Victoza®)
Indications for ACEi/Arb use in DM2 patients
■ clinical macrovascular disease
■ age ≥55
■ age <55 and microvascular complications
Indications for statin use in DM2 patients
■ clinical macrovascular disease ■ age ≥40 ■ age <40 and any of the following: - diabetes duration >15 yr and age >30 yr - microvascular complications - other cardiovascular risk factors
Indications for low dose ASA (81-325 mg) in DM2 patients
For secondary prevention in people with established CVD (NOT to be used routinely for primary
prevention)
What is the cardiovascular risk of Rosiglitazone
Rosiglitazone continues to demonstrate
increased risk of MIs, though it is not associated
with increased risk of CV or all-cause mortality