American family physician
Audio Summaries

Evaluation of the Painful Eye

Aug 17, 2026

The authors aim to provide guidance for family physicians on the evaluation and management of eye pain, emphasizing the importance of identifying red-flag symptoms that necessitate urgent ophthalmology referral. They outline a systematic approach to patient history and physical examination, highlighting key findings that indicate serious conditions such as acute angle-closure glaucoma and orbital cellulitis. The article advocates for an algorithmic method to differentiate between urgent and nonurgent causes of eye pain, ensuring timely and appropriate care.

Climate-Smart Health Care: Role of the Family Physician

Aug 17, 2026

The authors explore the role of family physicians in addressing the health impacts of climate change, particularly as it leads to increased morbidity and mortality from various health conditions. They emphasize the need for physicians to incorporate climate-smart practices in clinical care, such as counseling on environmental health risks and developing disaster preparedness plans, while also advocating for policies that promote public health and sustainability within the healthcare system.

Atypical Moles

Aug 17, 2026

This article addresses the clinical characteristics and management of atypical moles, which are associated with an increased risk of melanoma, particularly in individuals with fair skin and high sun exposure. The authors emphasize the importance of systematic skin examinations, patient counseling on sun protection, and the use of specific assessment techniques like the ABCDE mnemonic to differentiate benign moles from melanoma. Additionally, they discuss the role of biopsy in confirming diagnoses and guiding post-biopsy management based on histopathologic findings.

Knee Pain in Adults and Adolescents: The Initial Evaluation

Aug 17, 2026

The authors aim to outline the initial evaluation process for knee pain in adults and adolescents, highlighting the prevalence of conditions such as osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. They detail the essential components of a thorough patient history and physical examination, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes imaging and clinical decision rules to guide diagnosis and management.

Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Jun 16, 2026

The authors investigate the management of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of assessing symptom severity using tools like the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) score. They outline a treatment hierarchy that begins with behavioral modifications and progresses to pharmacologic interventions, including vitamin B6 and doxylamine for mild to moderate cases, and more aggressive treatments for severe symptoms, including corticosteroids and nutritional support if necessary.

Gambling Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment

Jun 16, 2026

The authors aim to address the diagnosis and treatment of gambling disorder, a behavioral addiction that is increasingly prevalent due to greater accessibility to gambling. They highlight the underdiagnosis of the condition, risk factors, and the lack of formal screening guidelines in the U.S., while discussing potential pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions. The paper emphasizes the need for further research on treatment efficacy and the importance of support systems for affected individuals and their families.

Type 2 Diabetes: Outpatient Insulin Management

Jun 16, 2026

The authors explore effective outpatient insulin management strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly in cases requiring insulin therapy due to severe hyperglycemia. They emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans that consider patient-specific factors, such as age and comorbidities, while highlighting the challenges of weight gain, hypoglycemia, and regimen complexity in diabetes management. The paper advocates for the use of basal insulin as a starting point, with careful titration and the potential incorporation of continuous glucose monitoring to enhance diabetes control.

Recurrent UTI in Women: Diagnosis and Management

Jun 16, 2026

The authors investigate the diagnosis and management of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more within a year. They outline risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and treatment guidelines, emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic selection and the role of behavioral modifications and nonantibiotic preventive measures. The article highlights that longer antibiotic therapy does not reduce recurrence risk and that asymptomatic bacteriuria should generally not be treated.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and Management

Jun 16, 2026

The authors aim to address the diagnosis and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a prevalent cause of chronic liver disease linked to cardiometabolic risk factors. They emphasize the importance of risk stratification and noninvasive screening for advanced fibrosis, as well as the role of lifestyle interventions and FDA-approved medications in improving patient outcomes. The article highlights the need for primary care monitoring to mitigate long-term complications associated with MASLD.

Severe Hypertension: Evaluation and Treatment

May 27, 2026

The authors aim to address the management and evaluation of severe hypertension, particularly in outpatient and inpatient settings, highlighting the prevalence and causes of severe blood pressure elevations among adults. They note that medication nonadherence is a significant factor in outpatient cases, while transient elevations in hospitalized patients are often due to secondary factors. The paper emphasizes the need for careful assessment and management strategies, as aggressive treatment in hospitals may lead to adverse outcomes without improving short-term results.