Access the latest DOH-aligned clinical practice guidelines, treatment protocols, and diagnostic pathways.
1. Assessment & Triage Most fevers in primary care are due to self-limiting viral infections (like the common cold) rather than malaria or severe dise...
View Full ProtocolGENERAL DANGER SIGNS (Refer Immediately) | Convulsions (current or history during illness). | Inability to drink or breastfeed. | Vomiting everything. | Lethargy or unconsciousness. | Stiff neck (Possible Meningitis). | Severe Respiratory Distress (Chest indrawing).
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Acute bronchitis is a self-limiting respiratory infection characterized by a cough lasting up to 3 weeks. Key Symptoms: Coug...
View Full ProtocolREFER TO HOSPITAL IF: | High Fever (>38°C / 100.4°F) persisting beyond a few days. | Bloody Mucus (Hemoptysis). | Shortness of Breath or trouble breathing. | Symptoms lasting > 3 weeks (Evaluate for TB or malignancy). | Confusion or signs of sepsis in elderly patients.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Definition: Passage of 3 or more loose/watery stools in 24 hours. Key Goal: Assess the level of dehydration immediately. No ...
View Full ProtocolDANGER SIGNS (Refer Immediately) | Severe Dehydration: Lethargy, unconsciousness, or inability to drink. | Blood in stool (Dysentery). | Persistent Vomiting (Unable to keep ORS down). | High Fever or severe abdominal pain. | Young Infants: <2 months old with diarrhea.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Classic Symptoms: Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) and acid regurgitation are the most reliable symptoms for presu...
View Full ProtocolALARM FEATURES (Refer for Endoscopy) | Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing. | Odynophagia: Painful swallowing. | Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Vomiting blood or black stools. | Unexplained Weight Loss. | Persistent Vomiting. | Iron Deficiency Anemia.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Migraine: Unilateral, pulsating/throbbing quality, moderate to severe intensity, aggravated by routine physical activity. As...
View Full Protocol"SNOOP" RED FLAGS (Refer Immediately) | Systemic symptoms: Fever, weight loss, or cancer history. | Neurologic symptoms: Confusion, weakness, seizure, or abnormal exam. | Onset: Sudden, abrupt, or "thunderclap" headache. | Older: New onset headache in patient >50 years old. | Pattern change: Progressive headache or change in frequency/severity.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Standard: Diagnosis is primarily based on the ICHD-3 Criteria (International Classification of Headache Disorders). Neuroima...
View Full ProtocolWHEN TO IMAGE (Rule Out Secondary Causes) | Change in pattern: Significant increase in frequency or severity. | Neurologic Deficits: Weakness, numbness, or confusion. | Persistent Symptoms: Headache failing to respond to standard therapy.
1. Indication Target Patient: Immunotherapy is a therapeutic option for patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Bronchial Asthma who do not respond well t...
View Full ProtocolRISKS & SAFETY | Systemic Reactions: There is a risk of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), especially with SCIT (injections). | Drop-out: Compliance is a major challenge; patients often stop due to the long duration (3-5 years) or cost.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Etiology: Most cases are viral (e.g., Adenovirus, Rhinovirus). Only 5-15% of adults have Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcu...
View Full ProtocolCOMPLICATIONS (Refer Immediately) | Peritonsillar Abscess: Severe unilateral pain, trismus (lockjaw), "hot potato" voice, and uvula deviation. | Airway Obstruction: Stridor, drooling, or difficulty breathing. | Signs of Rheumatic Fever: Joint pain, new heart murmur, or rash. | Severe Dehydration: Inability to swallow liquids.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Gold Standard: RT-PCR is the standard for confirmation. Rapid Antigen Tests: Recommended for symptomatic patients within 7 d...
View Full ProtocolWARNING SIGNS & RISK FACTORS | Severe Respiratory Distress: Hypoxemia (SpO2 < 94%) requiring oxygen. | High Risk for Progression: Age >60 years, Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension, CKD, or Immunocompromised state. | Rapid Deterioration: Increasing inflammation (CRP) or rapid escalation of oxygen support.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Clinical Presentation: Sudden onset of cough, headache, muscle/joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat, and rhinorrhea, with...
View Full ProtocolRISK FACTORS & SEVERE SIGNS | High Risk Groups: Age ≥65 years, immunocompromised, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory disease. | Severe Complications: Sepsis, septic shock, or multi-organ failure. | Respiratory Failure: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or need for mechanical ventilation.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis Clinical Signs: History of cough (24 hours to <2 weeks) PLUS abnormal vitals (RR ≥30, HR >125, or fever/hypothermia) AND abn...
View Full ProtocolADMISSION CRITERIA & DANGER SIGNS | Altered Mental State (Acute onset). | Hemodynamic Instability: Systolic BP <90 mmHg or severe tachycardia (>125 bpm). | Severe Respiratory Distress: RR ≥30 bpm or need for mechanical ventilation. | Decompensated Comorbidities: Uncontrolled diabetes, active malignancy, worsening CHF/COPD, or renal failure.