Guidelines updated in 2006 for preoperative evaluation can help reduce the risk of cardiac or pulmonary complications for noncardiothoracic procedures as well as improve resource utilization.

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in the United States, and its effects are wide ranging. Obtaining a comprehensive sleep history is essential to identifying any secondary and potential treatable causes.

Diagnosing and managing cough: Clinical practice update Diagnosing and treating chronic cough are just 2 of the topics covered in the nearly 250 new clinical practice guidelines for cough issued by the American College of Chest Physicians. In adults, the recommended diagnostic approaches are largely empiric, leading to, in most cases, the resolution of chronic cough without the need for invasive diagnostic tests or referrals. May 1, 2006 By: Richard S. Irwin, MD, Peter V. Dicpinigaitis, MD, ANNE B. CHANG, PhD

Diagnosing and treating chronic cough are just 2 of the topics covered in the nearly 250 new clinical practice guidelines for cough issued by the American College of Chest Physicians. In adults, the recommended diagnostic approaches are largely empiric, leading to, in most cases, the resolution of chronic cough without the need for invasive diagnostic tests or referrals.

This practical strategy to use with young people who smoke includes a new twist that can help you with counseling about any risky behavior.

Treatment options for sarcoidosis range from observation to complex immunosuppressive agents and organ transplant. A careful examination will help you assess the likelihood of spontaneous remission and determine when to initiate appropriate treatment to forestall organ damage.

Despite widespread use of a childhood vaccine, pertussis remains a significant public health problem, with reported rates higher than they have been in decades. Its often mild manifestations in older persons make recognition challenging, but with new vaccines licensed for use in adolescents and adults, the time is right for heightened awareness.

Because dyspnea can be a sign of potentially fatal illness, it is critical to rule out conditions such as MI and pulmonary embolism as rapidly as possible. Urgent care should include monitoring of vital signs and stabilization of the patient.

Current medical management can lead to dramatic improvement in functional status and lifestyle for many patients with COPD. An evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of various types of COPD is here presented.

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