Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is disproportionately represented in people with a learning disability, in whom it is a major cause of death. AP is the microaspiration of bacteria-rich secretions into the lungs in sufficient amounts to cause alveolar and systemic inflammation. Pneumonia can arise and is seen in people with abnormal swallowing which can often go undiagnosed. Speech and language therapy assessment is key for anyone at potential risk of AP. Prevention is possible with measures including good oral hygiene and food thickening.

The UK's leading respiratory conference for clinicians working primary, community and integrated care returns to Telford in September 2024. Save the date 19th - 21st September 2024 Telford International Centre Save the dates to your calendar. Learn from the experts. Be inspired. Take back best practice.

As many as one-in-two healthcare attendances for breathing difficulties in Bradford could be triggered by breaches in daily air pollution limits, new research has uncovered.  The data-driven study, which analysed more than 120,000 patients over four years, has revealed that the impact of pungent gases on health care use is far greater than previously reported.

A new report is showcasing the impact of a national AHSN Network programme to improve access to FeNO testing for asthma diagnosis. Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) tests are simple, non-invasive tests to measure the amount of nitric oxide in an exhaled breath – a biomarker for airway inflammation. FeNO testing can improve patient care by contributing to a faster and more effective asthma diagnosis, alongside a clinical history and other tests, and can be used to monitor patient response to treatments.