GPnotebook Podcast

Acute appendicitis is a medical emergency characterised by the sudden onset of inflammation in the appendix. As one of the leading causes of abdominal pain that necessitates surgical intervention, appendicitis can occur at any age, though it is most common in adolescents and young adults. The condition is primarily caused by a blockage in the appendix, which leads to bacterial infection, swelling and increased pressure. If left untreated, acute appendicitis can progress to life-threatening complications such as perforation, peritonitis and sepsis. Due to the non-specific symptoms, particularly in the early stages, diagnosing appendicitis can be challenging. Prompt recognition and treatment, typically through surgical removal of the appendix, are critical to preventing complications and ensuring a swift recovery. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis, highlighting its significance as a common yet potentially dangerous medical condition.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gastroenterology/ep-129-acute-appendicitis

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Breast pain affects around 70% of women at some point in their lives and is a common reason for referral to breast clinics. It is often a cause of anxiety for women who may be concerned that their pain might be associated with breast cancer. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the assessment of the patient presenting with breast pain and explains the lack of association between breast cancer and breast pain in those with a normal clinical examination. She considers cyclical, non-cyclical and extra-mammary pain and discusses the causes and management options for these, as well as considering when referral to secondary care would be appropriate.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/gynaecology/ep-128-mastalgia-breast-pain

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Fibromyalgia is a condition characterised by chronic widespread pain together with multiple muscular tender points or associated fatigue, sleep disturbance or cognitive dysfunction in the absence of a well-defined underlying organic disease. The majority of patients present with both tender points and associated symptoms, although the exact aetiology of fibromyalgia is unknown. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a look at possible triggers, diagnostic approaches, possible treatments (including non-pharmacological methods) and the prognosis for patients with this often poorly understood and underdiagnosed condition.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-127-fibromyalgia

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In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa reflects upon the poor lung cancer survival rates in the UK. She asks whether we are doing enough chest X-rays in primary care and whether we could be detecting lung cancers earlier. She delves further into this by exploring why diagnosing lung cancer is challenging, reviewing the guidelines and latest research and then discussing when we should continue to investigate for lung cancer even if the patient has had a normal chest X-ray. She finishes by reviewing the targeted lung health check programme that is currently being rolled out across England.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/oncology/ep-126-are-we-doing-enough-chest-x-rays-in-primary-care

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Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition defined as chronic, excessive worry for at least 6 months that causes distress or impairment, and is hard to control. It is in part a diagnosis of exclusion: physical examination and laboratory studies are generally normal if no co-existing physical or mental health conditions or substance misuse issues exist. Treatment is primarily with psychotherapy (usually cognitive behavioural therapy), serotonergic antidepressants or a combination of these approaches. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how best to diagnose GAD, what treatment options should be considered, possible differential diagnoses and the long-term outlook for patients.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/mental-health/ep-125-generalised-anxiety-disorder

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Ovarian cancer is a common female malignancy. Patients often present with vague, non-specific symptoms such as abdominal bloating, early satiety and dyspepsia (suggestive of upper abdominal disease). Other symptoms are more suggestive of pelvic disease, such as pelvic pain, abdominal or pelvic pressure, low back pain and urinary urgency. Late diagnosis has a significantly adverse impact on survival rates, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the key symptoms of ovarian cancer to be aware of in clinical practice, the NICE guidance on diagnostic tests, treatments and survival rates.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/oncology/ep-124-ovarian-cancer

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In episode 121, care and consultations for children with additional needs, and how to help these children and their families, were discussed. In this episode, Dr James Waldron is again joined by Dr Naomi Fox. Here, they look at harnessing the power of proprioception to improve behaviour and sleep and reduce stress in children.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/paediatrics/ep-123-proprioception-and-sleep-for-children-with-additional-needs

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Emollients are moisturisers that help soothe, hydrate and protect the skin by forming an occlusive barrier to lock in moisture. They are commonly used to treat dry, rough and scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, and work by softening and smoothing the skin, reducing water loss and improving the skin's natural barrier function. As a result, they play a vital role in skin care, especially for those with dry or compromised skin, and come in various forms, each suited to different levels of dryness and skin conditions. Regular use of the right emollient can help maintain the skin's moisture balance, provide relief from irritation and support overall skin health. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at the different types of emollients available, which ones to choose for your patient, and how they should be used for the best results.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-122-emollients-an-overview

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Many children have additional needs, and occupational therapy can play an important role in helping these children take part in everyday activities as well as in supporting their families and carers. In this episode, Dr James Waldron talks with Dr Naomi Fox, a paediatric occupational therapist, about ways to improve care and consultations for children with additional needs.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/paediatrics/ep-121-improving-consultations-for-children-with-additional-needs

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Echocardiography is an essential tool in a wide range of clinical scenarios. Appropriate use of an echocardiogram ("echo" scan) can improve clinical outcomes by increasing diagnostic accuracy, providing non-invasive or minimally invasive assessment of disease status and risk stratification and enabling real-time monitoring and guidance of interventional procedures. However, there can be confusion surrounding when to appropriately refer a patient from primary care. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at various conditions and when to consider the use of echo scans for them.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/cardiovascular-medicine/ep-120-echocardiography

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.