Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition characterized by conjunctival inflammation caused by airborne allergens. The symptoms include: itching, excessive lacrimation, discharge, and conjunctival hyperaemia pink eye). The disease usually affects young adults and is associated with other allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis, and bronchial asthma for example. There are three types of allergic conjunctivitis, namely acute allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). The diagnosis is primarily clinical and the prevalence is on the increase. Therapeutic modalities include a combination of topical vasoconstrictor and antihistamine therapies, topical antihistamines with mast cell stabilising properties, topical mast cell stabilisers, topical glucocorticosteroids and (in some cases) oral antihistamines when necessary.

Background. Diverticular disease was previously thought to be non-existent in the black African population. Studies over the past four decades, however, have shown a steady increase in the prevalence of the disease. Objective. To report on the profile and current prevalence of diverticular disease in the black South African (SA) population at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Pretoria, SA. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was performed in black SA patients who were diagnosed with diverticular disease by colonoscopy between 1 January and 31 December 2015.Results. Of 348 patients who had undergone colonoscopies and who were eligible for inclusion in this study, 47 were diagnosed with diverticular disease -a prevalence of 13.50% (95% confidence interval 10.30 -17.50). The greatest number of patients diagnosed were in their 7th and 8th decades, with an age range of 46 -86 (mean 67) years. There was a female predominance of 57.45%. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common (65.96%) indication for colonoscopy. The left colon was most commonly involved (72.34%), followed by the right colon (55.31%). A substantial number of patients had pancolonic involvement (27.65%). Conclusion. This retrospective study suggests that there has been a considerable increase in the prevalence of diverticular disease among black South Africans, possibly owing to changes in dietary habits and socioeconomic status.

Emergency hormonal contraceptives play an important role in preventing unplanned pregnancies in South Africa. In this review, we discuss the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive, the combined estrogen and progestin regimen (also known as the Yuzpe method) and the use of Ulipristal acetate. The levonorgestrel and the combined estrogen, progestin regimen are available in South Africa. The specific mechanisms of action of each of these emergency hormonal contraceptives will be discussed as well as their efficacy, the side effects associated with each of these preparations and the drug interactions. Levonorgestrel can be used as a single dose (1.5 mg) instead of two doses (0.75 mg) 12 hours apart. Levonorgestrel is very effective, with fewer adverse effects than the combined estrogen and progestogen administration. Levonorgestrel and the Yuzpe method have demonstrated good efficacy when utilised within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. These emergency hormonal contraceptives should not be used as regular contraception. It is essential that all health professionals and educators inform women of reproductive age about the risks and common side effects of emergency hormonal contraceptives.

On a regular day, healthcare providers will be contacted by one or more health seekers presenting with cough as a symptom. Cough has been considered an important physiological reflex that protects the airways from aspiration of foreign materials. Cough is one of the most common symptoms for which people seek medical attention from their healthcare practitioners. The common classifications for cough include acute, subacute and chronic cough. Such classification is time dependant. Acute cough is generally self-limiting, while subacute and chronic coughs have various different causes. There are many different causes of cough, and the common causes of persistent coughs include: upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and even pharmacological therapy. There are other important causes of chronic cough especially in the Southern African region that include: pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), environmental diseases, and others, which will not be covered by this article. Management of subacute and chronic coughs should be individualised according to their cause. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest acute coughs need to be treated. Moreover, there is poor evidence to recommend the use of over the counter (OTC) cough syrups in the management of acute coughs.

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome responsible for at least one-third of hospitalisations amongst cardiac patients, with escalating mortality and healthcare costs on both public and private health care. Both prevalence and incidence of heart failure increase steeply with advancing age, making it a growing public health problem. Pathophysiologically, heart failure clinically presents in two common forms: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The cornerstone of heart failure management includes the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. A recently developed pharmacotherapy that inhibits both the angiotensin receptor and the enzyme neprilysin has shown promise in the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This article will highlight the impact of this new therapy and its potential use in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.