My name is Russell Winwood; I’m 59 years old and have been living with severe COPD for the past 14 years. Nowadays I live very well with my COPD, but it hasn’t always been like this. My journey to this point has had its ups and downs; however, I have learnt that every step has been an opportunity to learn more about my disease. My breathless journey started when I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 10. So, it’s fair to say I have had a lifetime of experience of not being able to breathe like most people do

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:

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a hereditary condition caused by one of many mutations in the SERPINA1 gene, resulting in reduced levels or absence of the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein. AAT is produced in the liver and plays a vital role in protecting lung tissue from damage by neutrophil elastase, an enzyme released during inflammation (as a response to smoking tobacco or cannabis). 

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.

PCRS advocates that: 

In this article the authors review current evidence and guidance for the treatment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to bring up to date the Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) consensus approach and algorithm first published in 2017 and then again in 2023 known as ‘Keeping it Simple’.

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:

The autumn/winter edition of your members’ magazine packed with useful features, clinical updates, educational updates, respiratory news and opinion.

This summary infographic provides an overview of the new MART therapy which has been licensed for children of 6 - 11 years old. It provides a breakdown of what the new licensed product is, who it is appropriate for, when to consider introducing your asthma patients to it and how it should be implemented to ensure it is introduced effectively. Acknowledgement