Respiratory disease in practice - 2016


Comment: Remember the peak expiratory flow
Philip W Ind
pp 39-39
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a familiar, simple, quick and easy measurement of airway calibre thatis invaluable in assessing respiratory patients. Please note – it is a measure of flow traditionally expressed in litres per minute (on spirometric read outs, it is usually expressed as litres per second and you need to multiply by 60). The often used term peak expiratory flow rate is a complete nonsense, implying a flow per unit time!
New therapies for cystic fibrosis
Alexandra E Ewence & Timothy B L Ho
pp 40-45
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting genetic condition to affect Caucasians in the UK. It is caused by a faulty gene that regulates the movement of salt and water from cells in multiple organs in the body; resulting in the build-up of sticky, viscous mucus in the lungs, pancreas and digestive tract. This leads to progressive lung dysfunction, recurrent chest infections, pancreatic insufficiency and gastrointestinal problems. In 2014, over 10,500 adults in the UK were registered as having a diagnosis of CF.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and atrial fibrillation: a call to arms?
Timothy G Quinnell
pp 46-51
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two increasingly common conditions that affect similar populations and have a significant impact on health, quality of life and healthcare costs. Accumulating evidence suggests a causal association, to the extent that OSA may even undermine the effectiveness of interventions for AF. The roles that AF and OSA play in stroke risk make a compelling argument for increasing awareness of the association and clarifying its nature. This article will briefly review both conditions, the evidence for their association and consider research implications.
Introducing the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS) – A forum for respiratory nurses
Sandra Olive
pp 51-51
ARNS was established in 1997 to champion the work of the respiratory nursing community, promote excellence in clinical practice and influence the direction of respiratory health policy. The association remains the only nurse-led organisation with a focus on respiratory healthcare and with the needs of respiratory nurses, and the patients and carers they support, firmly at our core.
A day in the life of... Lisa Whittington Respiratory Foundation Year 1 Doctor
Lisa Whittington
pp 52-53
Addenbrooke’s Hospital is a large tertiary centre with 1,200 beds. The Department of Respiratory Medicine comprises a team who run the main respiratory care unit on ward N3. They have the capacity to care for 24 patients, including those requiring non-invasive ventilation and those with tracheostomies in situ. The team accepts new admissions from the emergency department and internal transfers from other words.
What do high-impact actions look like in asthma care?
Colette Harris
pp 55-55
From Asthma UK’s work with patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs), we know that time is often tight during GP consultations. We also know that well-prepared patients get more out of their reviews, making more effective use of the HCPs time. So here are six examples of ways to implement the NHS’s high-impact actions. These are happening in the NHS right now and aim to save time and money by reducing ‘did not attends’ (DNAs) and encouraging self-management.

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