Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is disproportionately represented in people with a learning disability, in whom it is a major cause of death. AP is the microaspiration of bacteria-rich secretions into the lungs in sufficient amounts to cause alveolar and systemic inflammation. Pneumonia can arise and is seen in people with abnormal swallowing which can often go undiagnosed. Speech and language therapy assessment is key for anyone at potential risk of AP. Prevention is possible with measures including good oral hygiene and food thickening.

The UK's leading respiratory conference for clinicians working primary, community and integrated care returns to Telford in September 2024. Save the date 19th - 21st September 2024 Telford International Centre Learn from the experts. Be inspired. Take back best practice.

As many as one-in-two healthcare attendances for breathing difficulties in Bradford could be triggered by breaches in daily air pollution limits, new research has uncovered.  The data-driven study, which analysed more than 120,000 patients over four years, has revealed that the impact of pungent gases on health care use is far greater than previously reported.

A new report is showcasing the impact of a national AHSN Network programme to improve access to FeNO testing for asthma diagnosis. Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) tests are simple, non-invasive tests to measure the amount of nitric oxide in an exhaled breath – a biomarker for airway inflammation. FeNO testing can improve patient care by contributing to a faster and more effective asthma diagnosis, alongside a clinical history and other tests, and can be used to monitor patient response to treatments.

Dr Iain Small (Chair of the Primary Care Respiratory Society 2008 – 2013) (Born 11/02/1961 Died 20/06/2023) Iain was a major contributor to PCRS over 20 years and was known to many in the PCRS family as well as the wider respiratory world – a previous chair of PCRS, chair of the education committee and editor of the Primary Care Respiratory Update he will be sadly missed in our organisation.

Patients will be empowered to choose where they receive their NHS care under new plans to help cut waiting lists, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities. A letter issued by the NHS today to local areas will require patients to be offered choice when clinically appropriate.

This week the BBC reported on the results of laboratory tests conducted on vapes confiscated from a school in Kidderminster. The results showed shockingly high levels of heavy metals in the vape liquids including lead that can affect central nervous system and brain development in children. High levels of carbonyls, chemicals found in cigarette smoke, were also detected. Of particular concern was that some of the vapes were in fact legally available while other illegal vapes were disguised as ‘highlighter pens’.

March 2023 saw the first approval of a combination inhaled corticosteroid + long-acting beta2-agonist inhaler for the management of mild asthma in people over 12 years of age. The approval supports the move away from reliance on short-acting beta2-agonists which fail to address the underlying airway inflammation that leaves even people with so called mild asthma at risk for severe and potentially life-threatening asthma exacerbations.

Vaping can successfully help people address their tobacco dependence and reduce the long-term threats to their health from tobacco use. However, while vaping helps people address their tobacco dependence, nicotine addiction can persist, and people may need further support to reduce their nicotine dependence and quit a vaping habit.