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

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.

Special Features Editor’s Round-Up Iain Small Chair’s Perspective: Influencing change Noel Baxter

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.

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.

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

Asthma UK is inviting applications for its 2018 Project Grants which will support research focused on developing tools for quick, accurate, scalable and low-cost diagnostics in asthma.

An in-depth look at the many components of supported self-management in the Winter issue of Primary Care Respiratory Update could make you think differently about the time you spend with people who have long term conditions.