This week the BBC reported on the results of laboratory tests conducted on vapes confiscated from a school in Kidderminster.

Vaping can successfully help people address their tobacco dependence and reduce the long-term threats to their health from tobacco use.

There is still no sign of varenicline (Champix), a medication that can reduce nicotine cravings and help people quit smoking, 18 months after its approval was withdrawn in the UK due to concerns about impurities.

This week the Health Minister Neil O’Brien announced the formation of a new “illicit vapes enforcement squad” – led by Trading Standards and backed by £3 million of government funding to tackle rising levels of youth vaping.

Can Only Plan Daily - COPD is a serious disease needing the right diagnosis and treatment with the person’s need sitting front and centre.

This 'Get Winter Wrapped' issue focuses on the twin challenges of winter pressures and coping with COVID-19.  

Supply disruption of varenicline has been on going since October 2021 because of the presence of nitrosamines above acceptable level of daily intake. There is still no certainty when varenicline will return.

Originally presented at the PCRS Respiratory Conference 2020 Dr Nicolas Hopkinson presents on Inhaled Substances: What nicotine use should we be supporting in the COVID 19 era

Alongside BTS, ERS, ATS and many other healthcare groups PCRS has submitted a letter to Vectura Board Members urging them to reject the acquisition offer by tobacco products manufacturer Philip Morris I

While the focus of primary care services is rightly on the delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations it’s important we don’t lose sight of our longer term ambitions for improving the nations lung health.

The start of a new year is an ideal time to support patients to consider small ways to begin working towards a healthy lifestyle.

NCSCT and Public Helth England have announced the resumption of face-to-face stop smoking consultations and carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring. CO monitoring is a valuable motivational tool for smokers.

In this summary document Dr Noel Baxter describes tobacco dependency as a long term relapsing condition that usually starts in childhood.  In the document he outlines simple steps you can take to support patients to quit including Very Brief Advce (VBA) and he outlines the treatments availab