Professional Nursing Today

Nursing as a career choice….

Annelie Meiring — 2023-12-05

Nursing as a career choice comes to mind at the end of the academic year, and one wonders whether 2024 will open new avenues for the profession and if the number of nursing students registered will exceed all expectations.

Allergic rhinitis: review of the diagnosis and management: South African Allergic Rhinitis Working Group

G A Richards — 2023-12-05

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) has a significant impact on the community as a whole with regard to quality of life and its relationship to allergic multi-morbidities. Appropriate diagnosis, treatment and review of the efficacy of interventions can ameliorate these effects. Yet, the importance of AR is often overlooked, and appropriate therapy is neglected. The availability of effective medications and knowledge as to management are often lacking in both public and private health systems.

Methods: This review is based on a comprehensive literature search and detailed discussions by the South African Allergic Rhinitis Working Group (SAARWG).

Results: The working group provided up-to-date recommendations on the epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and management of AR, appropriate to the South African setting.

Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis causes significant, often unappreciated, morbidity. It is a complex disease related to an inflammatory response to environmental allergens. Therapy involves education, evaluation of allergen sensitisation, pharmacological treatment, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and evaluation of the success of interventions. Regular use of saline; the important role of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS), including those combined with topical antihistamines and reduction in the use of systemic steroids are key. Practitioners should have a thorough knowledge of associated morbidities and the need for specialist referral.

Contribution: This review summarises the latest developments in the diagnosis and management of AR such that it is a resource that allows easy access for family practitioners and specialists alike.

Vitamin D supplementation in a post-pandemic era: A narrative review

P G Bopape — 2023-12-05

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble molecule referring to the different isoforms, ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3). Its physiological functions include increasing calcium serum concentrations. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) (Calcifediol), a non-active, circulating instant precursor is seen as a pre-hormone. Studies have shown that a deficiency in calcifediol is related to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune system, neurological, and anti-neoplastic functions. Vitamin D supplementation has shown its benefit as prophylaxis and treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and an increase in the prescribing of vitamin D supplementation has been observed. The intention of this review article is to provide guidance on the recommended dosage regimen as a prophylactic measure during COVID-19 and its use as a supplement in general. From this review article, it is clear that vitamin D has an important role to play not only in COVID-19 but also in various other health aspects of the human body.

Contribution: This review article highlighted the role of vitamin D in managing vitamin D deficiency and its role as a supplement in the management of respiratory tract infections, especially COVID-19. This overview can assist physicians in optimising healthcare by optimised dosing recommendations and indications.

Matters of the heart

S Davis — 2023-12-05

It is always important to take care of the heart, but it is especially important for those patients who have already had a heart attack or have existing heart disease. This article will discuss ways in which patients can improve the overall health of their hearts and help prevent the recurrence of a heart attack.

Insomnia

L Lambert — 2023-12-05

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder, categorised as difficulty in falling sleep, difficulty staying asleep, early wakening or feeling unsatisfied by sleep, despite adequate time and opportunity to sleep.

Adequate sleep is essential for good health and overall quality of life. It is an essential function that allows the body and mind to recharge, critical for the ability to think clearly, be vigilant and alert, and sustain attention. In fact, sleep has been proven to improve memory recall, regulate metabolism, and reduce mental fatigue.

In general, adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. Studies have shown that a lack of or a disruption of sleep may affect immunity and increase the risk for disease. Modern lifestyles, such as busy work schedules, day-to-day stressors or a disruptive bedroom environment, can reduce the amount and the quality of sleep.

Managing constipation in the pharmacy

J Van Schoor — 2023-12-05

Constipation is a common problem in adults and children of all ages. It is a symptom rather than a disease. Constipation is only rarely associated with life-threatening diseases, but in some patients such as the elderly, constipation can be a major health concern.

Otitis externa

W Rabbets — 2023-12-05

Otitis externa is an ear infection in the ear canal, which runs from the eardrum to the outer ear. Otitis externa may be caused by bacterial or fungal infection in the ear canal. The most common symptom of otitis externa is pain that may spread to the outside of the face. This ear infection is often called ‘swimmer’s ear’ but does not just happen to people who swim; it can happen anytime water remains in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that aids in the growth of bacteria and/or fungi.