If you are confused by conflicting guidance on the role of FeNO testing in the diagnosis of asthma, take a look at the new PCRS consensus statement which gives pragmatic advice on when FeNO testing in primary care should be co

The exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test detects exposure to CO in the last 12-18 hours. This can be used to assess smoking status AFTER a quit attempt and used prior to a quit attempt as a motivational tool.

Alongside a detailed clinical history and other important tests to assess variability (peak flow, reversibility and challenge tests) it is used to support the diagnosis of asthma. PCRS has produced this consensus position on the use of FeNO in primary care to support the diagnosis of as

Q: My patient smokes cigarettes and has a BMI of 43, they drink 45 units of alcohol a week and their physical activity is limited. What should I do first or is it better to tackle all together?

PCRS believe that it is the responsibility of every healthcare professional to treat tobacco dependency systematically and effectively. PCRS advocate that people wishing to quit using tobacco should be offered the most effective but also the least harmful methods first to support a quit attempt.

A Respiratory Dashboard has been developed by a group of respiratory specialists established by the NHS Business Services Authority to highlight the variation in prescrib

In this article from the December 2017 Primary Care Respiratory Update, Charles Waddicor,chair of the PCRS-UK Trustees, shares his experience of surviving an asthma attack and his approach to self-management.  The article is introduced by Carol Stonham guest editor for this issue of Primary

In this article from Primary Care Respiratory Update, Spring 2018, Fran Robinson, discusses the use of rescue packs with Dr John Hurst, Honorary Consultant at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and Reader in Respiratory Medicine at University College (UCL) London.

In this feature from the Spring 2018 issue of Primary Care Respiratory Update, Dr Stephen Holmes discusses a case history of a presentation of mesothelioma.

Second Opinion.  Your respiratory questions answered… This question was posted by a PCRS-UK member and is answered by Dr Iain Small and Dr Vince Mak.

This guide provides an algorithm to identify people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who might benefit from ICS treatment and those in whom it may not be appropriate, and an approach to withdrawing ICS in patients in whom it is not needed.   The gui

In this Chair's Perspective from the Spring 2017 edition of Primary Care Respiratory Update, Dr Noel Baxter discusses the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for respiratory conditions.

In this article from PCRU Spring 2017 Fran Robinson interviews Barbara Preston, a member of the PCRS Lay Reference Group, who had bronchiectasis as a child but was not diagnosed until she was an adult, the article illustrates how this delay to diagnosis impacts

The report reveals that:

It also reveals that the many cost-effective and high value ways to help treat and manage COPD, including providing flu jabs, supporting patients to live smoke free, and physical activity and supported self-management programmes, are under used.