The Spring issue of Primary Care Respiratory Update focuses on the appropriate use of antibiotics whether for respiratory infections or as part of a rescue pack.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) and Asthma UK have published two new resources that healthcare professionals can use to encourage patients with COPD and asthma to self-manage their condition. Self-management pack

TB remains one of the world’s leading causes of death. In fact, it killed more people than any other infectious disease last year. Whilst rates are improving, the UK still has an unacceptable burden of TB disease. 

New call for evidence: Deadline 18 May 2018

Today is World Asthma Day, an event held each May by the Global Initiative for Asthma, (GINA) to raise awareness of asthma worldwide.

The latest report from the National COPD Audit says primary care must improve referral rates for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) because it is such an effective and high value therapy for people with COPD.

Chronic lung disease is a common and growing problem in Africa affecting around 1 in 8 adults. The main forms are COPD, asthma and post TB lung disease.

PCRS-UK are in the process of developing a pragmatic guide for clinicians focusing on the diagnosis and management of tobacco dependency.

PCRS-UK has published an algorithm to identify people with COPD who might benefit from inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment and those in whom it may not be appropriate. It also offers an approach to withdrawing ICS in patients in whom it is not needed.

Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Brave: a workshop that will boost your confidence 11th July 2018, Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham Have you ever felt you need more self confidence in the workplace to challenge decisions or to take your ideas forward?

PCRS-UK and Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) have been working closely together on the new training arrangements for people to become certified as competent in performing and/or interpreting spirometry and join the national register.

PCRS-UK believes that treating tobacco dependency is the business of every healthcare professional. This is because treating tobacco dependency is the single most cost-effective intervention for the prevention of smoking-related disease and for smokers who have smoking-related diseases.

ARNS supports applications for assistance towards course fees for members and non-members.

Endorsed by PCRS-UK, the guideline offers recommendations on symptom recognition, management and follow-up of the disease that are relevant for primary care clinicians.

PCRS has published a consensus statement on key aspects of the diagnosis, management and monitoring of asthma to provide clarity for primary care clinicians faced with conflicting national guidelines1