Clinical assessment of pruritus. Rash can be important: a regional rash can indicate shingles or contact dermatitis whereas a generalized rash can indicate a systemic cause. #hapc21.
No talk at #hapc21 would be complete without a slide on neurotransmitters. Pruritus is no exception.
Key takeaway: xerosis is the most common skin disease so consider topical therapies! #hapc21
Did I say there were lots of treatments for pruritus? These agents have different & overlapping uses. Examples: gabapentin is helpful for uremic itch and can be effective within several days. Naltrexone is helpful for cholestatic itch, not so much for uremic itch. #hapc21
Don't forget physical treatments for pruritus. #hapc21
Next talk at #hapc21! Controlling the dyspnea-anxiety cycle.
Remember that dyspnea is very common. Not just in COPD but in other diagnoses, and not just in hospice patients but in the ICU and other settings as well. #hapc21
The complicated and vicious cycle of breathlessness. #hapc21
Diving into a difficult topic at #hapc21. Dr. Horowitz is starting with his mother, who had dementia and was considering voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED).
Key points about the key clinical considerations around VSED: note that life should be unacceptable and IRREVERSIBLY difficult. This can't be an impulsive decision. #hapc21.
Psychiatric considerations are important too. There is an important difference between the wish to die vs. the wish to "not live like this" when considering VSED. #hapc21