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COPD National Strategy Quick Reference Guide Primary Care Respiratory Society UK
Introduction Prevention & awareness Identification & diagnosis Chronic care Acute care Self care End-of-Life care Asthma Implementing the strategy

Asthma Further Resources
COPD National Strategy Slide Kit (members only)
Consultation on a strategy for COPD (Feb 2010)
PCRS-UK COPD National Strategy Resources
PCRJ COPD National Strategy Supplement
PCRS-UK Guidance on the Diagnosis and Management of COPD
GOLD COPD Guidance
NICE COPD Guidance
Conditions of Use
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COPD National Strategy Quick Reference Guide
Asthma

Recommendation 23: The NHS should recognise similarities and differences between asthma and COPD, and should commission services accordingly to optimise the model of provision of care.
Recommendation 24: People should be managed according to evidence-based guidelines.

Differences between asthma and COPD
  • Asthma is more common than COPD, and common in childhood
  • The cause of asthma is not known
  • The airway narrowing in asthma is usually reversible and symptoms are variable
  • Optimal care for asthma should result in control of symptoms
  • The evidence for regular review and self-management education and is strong
  Evidence-based asthma management
With the correct treatment and care, in most cases, the symptoms of asthma can be well controlled and most people can enjoy a healthy and active life
  • Prompt and accurate diagnosis of asthma is essential
  • In some cases expert assessment is necessary to separate the relative contribution of co-morbidities
  • Asthma exacerbations are potentially a failure in management, and the circumstances surrounding the exacerbation need to be reviewed
  • Death from asthma should be regarded as an avoidable event and enquiry into each case is recommended
  • All people with asthma would benefit from self-management education, advice and support, including a personal asthma action plan including advice on when to increase their usual therapy, when to commence steroid tablets, and when to seek urgent medical attention
Further resources
Author: Dr Hilary Pinnock, University of Edinburgh, and Whitstable Medical Practice, Kent  |  Editor: Dr Mark Levy, Kingsbury, London

This COPD National Strategy Quick Reference Guide is provided to you by the Primary Care Respiratory Society UK (PCRS-UK)
and is an interpretation of the document Consultation on a Strategy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in England (February 2010) written by the Department of Health.
This Quick Reference Guide has been supported by an educational grant from Allen & Hanburys,
the specialist respiratory division of GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca UK Ltd and Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd/Pfizer Ltd.
The views expressed in the materials are not necessarily those of either the Department of Health, the sponsors or the Primary Care Respiratory Society UK (PCRS-UK). © PCRS-UK
Introduction  |  Prevention & awareness  |  Identification & diagnosis  |  Chronic care  |  Acute care  |  Self care  |  End-of-Life care  |  Asthma  |  Implementing the strategy
Download slide resource set  |  PCRS-UK Home  |  COPD Strategy Resources
Page updated on 16 June 2010 15:08

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