Rx Note

Introduction Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogenous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, cough , sputum production and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction. The main environmental exposures leading to COPD are tobacco smoking and the inhalation of toxic particles and gases from household and outdoor air pollution, but other environmental and host factors (including genetic factors, abnormal lung development and accelerated lung aging) can also contribute. Forced spirometry that demonstrates the presence of a non-fully reversible airflow obstruction (i.e. FEV1/FVC <0.7 post-bronchodilator) is mandatory to establish the diagnosis of COPD. Management Apart from smoking cessation and vaccination (e.g. COVID-19 , influenza, pneumococcal, RSV and dTaP vaccines, and zoster vaccine to protect agains...

Introduction Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin disease that occurs most frequently in children but also affects many adults. The lifetime prevalence of atopic eczema is 20%; begins in 90% between 3 months and 5 years of age. It persists into adult life in at least one quarter of cases. Clinical features of atopic dermatitis include Skin dryness Erythema Oozing and crusting Lichenification Affected individuals often have a family history of asthma , hay fever and/or type 1 food allergy (anaphylactoid reactions). Management Identify and, if possible, avoid possible triggers including Irritants, e.g. abrasive clothing, soaps/detergents (including bubble bath), raised temperatures, sweating, heavily chlorinated pools or spas Allergens, e.g. preservatives, fragrances, lanolin, nickel, aeroallergens (e.g. house dust mites, animal dander), foods (only avoid if confirmed by testing) The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms (pruritus and dermatitis ),...