LAM Extra for General Practicioners - 2009;1(04)

LAM Extra for General Practicioners

OCTOBER 12, 2009

[CHRONIC COUGH - THE OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS’ POINT OF VIEW]

GERLINGER Imre

[Chronic cough can have a profound impact on the psychosocial function of patients. Most studies agree that post-nasal drip syndrome (PNDS), asthma, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) are the most common causes of chronic cough in immunocompetent, non-smoking patients who are not taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and present with a negative chest x-ray. No diagnostic test has yet been found to define those who have PNDS other than the response to a first-generation antihistamine. Examination of the available evidence suggests that the theory of mechanical stimulation of the pharynx by mucus does not explain the occurrence of cough. Inflammatory mediators’ levels in the lower airways are higher in PNDS, cough variant asthma, and GERD, and the theory that an inflammatory process is affecting “one airway” is a plausible one. Nasal disease is more likely to result in cough from the co-existing involvement of the lower airways through a yet undefined pathway. Mediation by eosinophil and mast cells appears to be a likely mechanism. In this paper, the author summarizes all potential pulmonological, otolaryngological and other reasons of chronic cough, suggesting a systematic therapeutic algorithm.]

HUN 2009;1(04)

LAM Extra for General Practicioners

OCTOBER 12, 2009

[EFFECT OF BETA BLOCKERS IN HYPERTENSION, ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE, HEART FAILURE AND METABOLIC SYNDROME]

BENCZÚR Béla

[Beta-blockers are among the most widely used drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In the mid-90’s, these drugs were recommended as first-line therapies of hypertension. With the introduction of new drugs, the list of first-choice drugs has been extended. The results of recently published major hypertension trials, which compared conventional agents (beta blockers and/or diuretics) with newer agents (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Caantagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers), raised concerns regarding the role of beta blockers in cardiovascular primary prevention. Subsequently, a metaanalysis of 13 trials has shown that compared with other drug types, beta-blocker therapy is less beneficial in patients with hypertension who do not have heart disease. Nevertheless, in cardiovascular indications other than hypertension (acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and arrhythmias), betablockers retain their dominant position.]

HUN 2009;1(04)