Episode notes
Hiccups are a common symptom, with short-lived episodes usually being a source of amusement rather than distress. For these acute episodes, simple nonpharmacologic techniques are often effective. However, persistent hiccups greatly affect quality of life and can be difficult to manage. There is often significant diagnostic dilemma, with potentially serious and even life-threatening underlying causes needing to be considered. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the investigation and management of hiccups. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:…
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GPnotebook Podcast
A bite-sized, regular chat for all healthcare professionals working in primary care. Episodes cover clinical tips and hot topics. New episodes published every Thursday or Friday.
More from GPnotebook Podcast All episodes →
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20 Aug 2026 · 14 min
Ep 220 – Medication overuse headache
Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a common but frequently overlooked cause of chronic daily headache, particularly in people with migraine. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores how regular use of acute headache medications can paradoxically drive increasing headache frequency, creating a cycle of persistent pain and escalating medication use. Clinical features that should raise suspicion and the diagnostic criteria are discussed, along with why asking patients how many days each month they take headache medication is often the most important question in the consultation. This…
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13 Aug 2026 · 7 min
Ep 219 – Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless condition that can, nevertheless, cause distress in some people due to its appearance. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman considers the pathophysiology and diagnostic features of keratosis pilaris, before discussing self-care advice and treatment options that can be recommended to try to reduce the rough, bumpy and dry appearance of this condition. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/dermatology/ep-219-keratosis-pilaris Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD…
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6 Aug 2026 · 22 min
Ep 218 – Hypercalcaemia
In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa discusses hypercalcaemia and how it can be managed in five steps. She reviews when to suspect hypercalcaemia and the most common causes of a raised calcium. She also covers further investigations that can be undertaken in primary care, management in secondary care and follow-up in primary care. At the end, there is a chance to put the learning into a clinical context with a quick quiz. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/diabetes-and-endocrinology/ep-218-hypercalcaemia Did you know?…
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30 Jul 2026 · 17 min
Ep 217 – Illness anxiety disorder
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses illness anxiety disorder (IAD), a condition that presents unique challenges for both patients and healthcare professionals. Formerly known as hypochondriasis, IAD is characterised by a persistent fear of having or developing a serious medical illness despite appropriate evaluation and reassurance. These patients often present in primary care and specialist settings, frequently seeking answers for symptoms that may be minimal or entirely absent. Recognising the condition is important, as repeated investigations alone rarely alleviate distress and…
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23 Jul 2026 · 18 min
Ep 216 – Alopecia
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson provides an overview of alopecia, one of the most common yet often misunderstood conditions encountered in clinical practice. While hair loss is rarely life-threatening, it can have a profound impact on a patient’s psychological wellbeing, self-esteem and quality of life. Alopecia is not a single disease but a clinical sign with numerous underlying causes, ranging from temporary and reversible conditions to forms of permanent scarring hair loss; for GPs, distinguishing between these types is essential for accurate diagnosis, timely intervention and…
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9 Jul 2026 · 14 min
Ep 214 – Pneumococcal disease
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores pneumococcal disease and the major changes coming to the UK pneumococcal vaccination programme in 2026. Although often overshadowed by other infectious diseases, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among older adults, young children and immunocompromised patients. This episode discusses the microbiology and clinical manifestations of pneumococcal disease, reviews the immunological principles behind current vaccines and examines why the UK is transitioning towards the use…
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2 Jul 2026 · 16 min
Ep 213 – Polymyalgia rheumatica
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a common but often underestimated inflammatory condition affecting older adults. Although many clinicians recognise the classic presentation of shoulder and hip girdle stiffness, PMR is far more than a simple musculoskeletal complaint. Its overlap with giant cell arteritis (GCA), the challenges of long-term steroid management and the importance of recognising red-flag symptoms make it a condition that requires careful clinical judgement. Join us as we walk through the typical patient presentation, discuss the…
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25 Jun 2026 · 19 min
Ep 212 – Herpes zoster
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at a condition every GP recognises, but not always in its earliest or most subtle form: shingles. Also known as herpes zoster, it is far more than just a painful rash – it’s the reactivation of a neurotropic virus that may have been lying dormant for decades within the nervous system. Here, we explore how and why that reactivation occurs and what clinical clues can help you identify the condition even before the rash appears. We walk through the typical and atypical presentations, highlight key complications and discuss why early treatment can make a…
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18 Jun 2026 · 14 min
Ep 211 – Mumps
In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at a condition that many clinicians associate with pre-vaccine paediatrics, yet which still occurs: mumps. While its incidence has dramatically declined since the introduction of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, it has not disappeared. Here, we walk through why mumps still matters clinically, from its systemic viral nature and characteristic parotitis, to less obvious presentations like orchitis and aseptic meningitis. We also explore why vaccinated populations can still be affected, how diagnosis is confirmed in practice and what clinicians…
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11 Jun 2026 · 18 min
Ep 210 – Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease
In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa discusses bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease, with a focus on the NICE guideline that was published in 2024. She reviews how to recognise bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease and answers the key question: when to give antibiotics outside of hospital? At the end of this episode, there is a chance to put the learning into a clinical context with some clinical scenarios. Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:…
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