Respiratory Nursing

Using COPD action plans to manage exacerbations

People at risk of COPD exacerbations should be given self-management plans to encourage them to respond to increased symptoms - but do patients use them?

Managing allergic rhinitis

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be disruptive and distressing. This article outlines their causes and triggers, and the main treatment options.

Patient information on nebulised antibiotics

A leaflet was designed to provide high-quality information to patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis who are prescribed nebulised antibiotics.

Abdominal pain in children with pneumonia

Children with pneumonia can experience abdominal pain and this may be the only symptom. Health professionals must be aware of this to avoid incorrect diagnoses

Nutrition screening in patients with COPD

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at increased risk of malnutrition. Nurses should ensure they screen patients and offer advice or referral

Benefits of digital thoracic drainage systems

Traditional chest drainage systems can present problems. A trust found that digital drainage systems improved treatment times and patient mobility

Very brief advice on smoking

A quick offer to support patients to quit smoking can be far more effective than telling them to stop. A short film that counts towards CPD can help nurses do this

COPD project scoops best practice award

13-May-2012 | By Jo Stephenson

A project to help Wirral patients with chronic lung diseases manage their own care has won a regional award for best practice.

Call for nurses to teach Buteyko asthma technique

10-May-2012 | By The Press Association

Nurses should be encouraged to teach asthma sufferers the Buteyko breathing technique (BBT), according to a leading medical expert.

Only one in ten recognise persistent cough as lung cancer symptom

8-May-2012 | By The Press Association

Just one in 10 people realise that a persistent cough could be a key symptom of lung cancer, according to statistics released by the government as it launches a campaign to raise awareness about the disease.

Asthma patients 'underestimate risk of attack'

2-May-2012 | By The Press Association

Most people with asthma hugely underestimate the risk of suffering a serious asthma attack that could lead to a hospital admission, a new survey has shown.

Cancer biomarker tests 'often not available'

24-Apr-2012 | By The Press Association

People with cancer may not be administered the most effective treatments because of a lack of access to biomarker tests, a survey has revealed.

Drug 'reduces asthma symptoms'

23-Apr-2012 | By The Press Association

Half a million asthma sufferers in the UK could benefit from a “breakthrough” drug that reduces complications caused by the common cold, it was claimed today.

Lung cancer rates in women still rising

13-Apr-2012 | By The Press Association

Rates of lung cancer are continuing to rise in British women, with more than 18,000 cases diagnosed in 2009, according to new figures from Cancer Research UK.

Acute respiratory failure 1: assessing patients

This is the first in a two-part unit on acute respiratory failure. Part 1 explores respiratory failure and its causes and identifies ways of recognising patients in acute respiratory failure.