Doctors Lisa and Sara talk to Respiratory Physiotherapist Thomas James about COPD. We start with what COPD is, when to suspect it, a standard work up, pitfalls and points of consideration about spirometry, before moving on to an overview of management. We then cover some changes in the way COPD exacerbations are managed in South Manchester and the role of Eosinophils in both acute and chronic management. Understanding the role of Pulmonary rehabilitation, prednisolone and exercise in management are particular highlights. We cover our learning points from the episode at the end. 

You can use these podcasts as part of your CPD - we don’t do certificates but they still count :)

Useful resources: 

• NICE COPD in adults (last updated Sept 2023): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/QS10


• The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Spirometry Guide: https://goldcopd.org/gold-spirometry-guide/


• Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) advice on Spirometry Interpretation: https://www.artp.org.uk/en/spirometry


• Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) COPD Management Plan Guideline (2021): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/COPD-Treatment-Guideline-Nov-2021-V7.1.pdf


• Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) COPD Inhaler Guide (2021): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GMMMG-COPD-Inhaler-Guide-update-Mar-2023.pdf


• Greater Manchester CURE Project for Smoking Cessation: https://gmcancer.org.uk/programmes-of-work/treatment/the-cure-project/


• Greater Manchester Change, Grow, Live Services including Smoking Cessation: https://www.changegrowlive.org/


• Primary Care Respiratory Society MRC Breathlessness scale: https://www.pcrs-uk.org/mrc-dyspnoea-scale


• Our podcast with Dr Lesley Henson and Dr Caitriona MacDermott on Breathlessness in Palliative Care (May 2024): https://pckb.org/e/breathlessness-in-palliative-care/

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Email us at: primarycarepodcasts@gmail.com

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This podcast has been made with the support of GP Excellence and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.