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Biomedical subjects

S L Noble

Publications and source records attributed to S L Noble.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Management of genital herpes.

Genital herpes affects over 30 million persons in the United States. Genital herpes has three distinct presenting syndromes, depending on the patient's immune status with regard to the herpes simplex virus. Current diagnostic strategy relies on clinical findings and the selective use of viral culture. Acyclovir is the drug of choice for the treatment of genital herpes. Drug resistance is an increasing problem, requiring the use of newer agents. Treatment of the immunocompromised patient is a special area of concern. In addition to the medical aspects in the treatment of genital herpes, psychosocial requirements should also be addressed.

Acyclovir

Allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis commonly manifests for the first time in childhood or adolescence with seasonal or perennial sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and pruritus of the nose, eyes and throat. The nasal mucosa are pale blue and boggy, with a clear discharge. Patients should be instructed to avoid breathing tobacco smoke, to remove bedroom carpeting, to use foam pillows, to enclose mattresses and box springs in plastic covers, to keep house windows closed and to reduce indoor humidity by using air conditioning. If these avoidance procedures, together with oral and ocular antihistamines and/or decongestants, do not provide relief of symptoms, intranasal corticosteroids and cromolyn may be prescribed. Pharmacotherapy is more effective if it is used prophylactically. Second-generation antihistamines may reduce sedative and anticholinergic side effects. Intranasal decongestants should be used for only three to four days. Immunotherapy is appropriate for patients who remain unresponsive to therapy. Intranasal cromolyn should be the first drug considered in the treatment of pregnant women.

Diagnosis, Differential

Drug therapy for epilepsy.

Epilepsy, a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects 1 to 3 percent of the U.S. population. In addition to six drugs classically used either alone or in combination to control epilepsy, three new agents have recently become available. The choice of therapy for each patient must be individualized, based on an accurate determination of the type of epilepsy, an understanding of drug pharmacokinetics, interactions and side-effect profiles, and issues related to patient acceptability and compliance. Approximately 70 percent of patients currently achieve good control of epilepsy, and it is hoped that new agents and improved therapeutic management can substantially increase this percentage.

Acetates