Diagnostic criteria in asthma & COPD

INTRODUCTION
Respiratory symptoms of cough, wheeze and shortness of breath are common to many respiratory conditions and can pose a challenge to health care professionals when making a diagnosis. In practice, asthma and chronic obstructive ...

Inhaler technique in asthma and COPD

INTRODUCTION
Respiratory symptoms and disease are common health issues in the UK today. Inhaled therapy is the method of choice for the delivery of many respiratory drugs and correct technique with inhaler devices is critical to effective ...

COPD: a guideline update

Practice Nurse INTRODUCTION
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 report represents a major revision of the 2022 report, with a new definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new ...

Using mucolytics in the management of COPD symptoms

This resource has been initiated and supported by Alturix Ltd, who have had the opportunity to review it for factual ...

Spirometry

Spirometry
Spirometry is increasingly used in primary care settings for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions. Conducting and interpreting the test is now part of many practice nurses' role. Spirometry is, ...

Poorly controlled asthma: treatment options in the joint NICE/BTS/SIGN guideline

Introduction
The majority of people with asthma in the UK are usually managed in primary care. However, not all patients’ asthma is well controlled on conventional ...

Asthma – Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION
The effective treatment of asthma depends on correct diagnosis. The joint guideline from the British Thoracic Society (BTS), NICE and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), emphasises the importance ...