Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The impact on patients, families and healthcare systems is huge, yet many exacerbations, hospitalisations and disease progression can be prevented if the fundamentals of care are delivered consistently, including early and accurate diagnosis.
Winter brings predictable surges in respiratory illness and pressure across urgent and emergency care. This paper sets out a practical, primary care-led framework to reduce avoidable demand by acting earlier on respiratory risk. We describe seven interventions:
Point-of-care testing of C-reactive protein (CRP) for the acute assessment of worsening symptoms in people known to have COPD can safely reduce the use of antibiotics and could help improve the diagnostic approach towards someone presenting in such a crisis. New high-quality evidence has emerged since the last NICE COPD update and we encourage re-opening and review of the current guideline to enable clinicians and system leaders to understand whether and how to implement this promising diagnostic aid.PCRS advocates that:
The COPD risk slider supports the initiation of a conversation with your patients about their COPD and to identify any potential risk of exacerbation or worsening of symptoms.
Spirometry should be delivered and technically reported by registered healthcare professionals with an appropriate level of expertise and experience.
Breathlessness is a common presenting symptom in primary care, and there are many causes.Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the earliest opportunity.
This article explores the impact of the environment on the health of people with asthma and COPD and focuses on two key areas, indoor (home) and outdoor pollutants and severe weather extremes such as heat waves or very cold weather
Sixteen years ago I was diagnosed with COPD. My COPD means I get breathless very quickly now doing activities or things I previously did easily without and difficulty. Being as active as possible really helps me to manage my condition, so I have joined a gym for the first time as they have sessions purely for people with lung problems. Attending these sessions weekly has resulted in me being able to control the periods of breathlessness.