Australian Family Physician audio

Acute pulmonary oedema is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention with a management plan and an evidence based treatment protocol.

Professor Davidson discusses the term palliative care, and how if is used in patients with chronic heart failure. She discusses the challenges involved in providing palliative care and advanced care planning to these patients, including challenges specific to general practice care and ensuring that cultural, psychological, social and spiritual needs are met along with medical needs. Professor Davidson goes on to discuss a few specific symptoms that can be seen in patients with chronic heart failure, and how these may be managed symptomatically.

Dr Baird discusses the syndrome of acute heart failure, and its possible clinical presentations. He briefly discussions precipitants and causes of cardiac failure, and the different types of cardiac failure, namely systolic versus diastolic heart failure. He discusses an approach to the assessment and management of acute pulmonary oedema, with a focus on general practice care. Dr Baird goes on to discuss post-acute care, in particular how GPs can optimise wellbeing and prognosis in chronic heart failure patients.

Dr Aris Siafarikas discusses Addison Disease, which is a trap for the unwary as it is rare and can present in non specific, but very serious ways.

Adrenal insufficiency is a rare disease caused by either primary adrenal failure (Addison disease) or by impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Steroid replacement therapy normalises quality of life, however, adherence can be problematic.

Professor George Braitberg discusses issues his article ‘Small dose…big poison' which considers children and ingestions of medications and many items found in every household.

It is not possible to identify all toxic substances in a single journal article. However, there are some exposures that in small doses are potentially fatal.

Dr Elaine Leung discusses why transient ischaemic attacks are a trap for the unwary and provides information on the importance and diagnosis.

Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) can be challenging to diagnose, but early assessment and effective management can reduce the subsequent risk of stroke.

Dr Aris Siafarikas discusses Addison Disease, which is a trap for the unwary as it is rare and can present in non specific, but very serious ways. He suggests some hints that may assist in considering the diagnosis and highlights important elements of early management

Professor George Braitberg discusses issues his article ‘Small dose…big poison' which considers children and ingestions of medications and many items found in every household

Dr Elaine Leung discusses why transient ischaemic attacks are a trap for the unwary and provides information on the importance and diagnosis. She also covers issues around assessment and how GPs are well placed to provide the secondary prevention management

Professor Dan Lubman discusses issues in substance misuse in the older population, including frequency, harms, issues to consider in the older population and tips on assessment and management.

The proportion of Australians aged over 65 years is increasing. Although screening and treatment for alcohol and drug issues has traditionally focused on those aged less than 65 years, there is growing evidence of alcohol and drug related harm among older people.

Dr Lesley Yee, a sexual health physician, discusses issues in aging and sexuality. This includes the changes associated with aging and the varying impacts these may have. She also provides some practical ideas to assist in raising the topic and providing advice.