We have a deep focus on allergies in this issue, with articles about pollen patterns, allergic rhinitis and intranasal corticosteroids. We also look at stroke risk in AFib patients, ADHD, contraception and asthma. This issue is accredited for 3 CPD points - click here to answer the quiz.
Issue 05 - August 2024
Nature: Making you sick while the weather’s good
It’s the tail end of August and barely a flower petal separates us from the annual frenzy of windborne allergens known as spring. If sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes are your thing, rejoice! - you might be seeing more of these in the coming months, as climate change increases the severity and duration of pollen season. Further complicating matters, exotic pollen strains are on the increase in South Africa.
Locally, our monitoring capacity has improved by leaps by bounds, thanks to the great work done by the UCT Lung Institute’s Allergy and Immunology Clinic and the South African Pollen Monitoring Network. We have no less than nine distinct biomes in South Africa, each with their own peculiarities, so ongoing (and precise) monitoring programmes are a must for local clinicians.
It’s not a topic we cover in this issue, but there is also a notable increase in the frequency and severity of food allergies globally. While no one has a clear explanation as to why this is happening, vitamin D deficiency, as well as (ironically) improvements in hygiene are thought to be potential culprits.
In this latest issue we take a look at pollen patterns, treatment options for allergic rhinitis, intranasal corticosteroids and asthma. We also have a look at the stroke risks that plague patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as the evaluation of childhood ADHD. Lastly, we take a brief look at the contraception crisis in our country.
On a side note, I’ve noticed that being a parent divides the year in two: flu time and gastro time. You can send sympathy and/or medical advice to Conrad.Strydom@newmedia.co.za.
Till next time!
Conrad
Conrad Strydom has been involved in the media, publishing and content creation industry for 12 years. He has worked as an editor and senior journalist for high-profile organisations such as New Media and the South African Medical Association. He believes in a multimedia approach, incorporating whatever format works best to inform and uplift his readers.
Conrad Strydom has been involved in the media, publishing and content creation industry for 12 years. He has worked as an editor and senior journalist for high-profile organisations such as New Media and the South African Medical Association. He believes in a multimedia approach, incorporating whatever format works best to inform and uplift his readers.
Medical Academic offers healthcare professionals the opportunity access clinical content generated by Medical Chronicle, Specialist Forum, Pharmacy Magazine and the SA Ophthalmology Journal. Medical Academic hosts articles that have been accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by approved accreditors. CPD articles enable healthcare professionals to stay up to date with industry standards, treatments and diagnosis.
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