Themes

We work across six main areas of particular importance to respiratory health: allergic rhinitis, asthma, COPD, diagnosis, respiratory infections and tobacco dependence.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis affects 20–30% of the population. It reduces quality of life and school and work performance and is a frequent reason for office visits in general practice. Medical costs can be large, but avoidable costs associated with lost work productivity are even larger than those incurred by asthma.

Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. The Global Asthma Report 2018 estimates that asthma affects as many as 339 million people worldwide.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, incapacitating respiratory disease that can make everyday life very difficult. The Global Burden of Disease Study for 2016 estimates that it affects 251 million people worldwide.

Diagnosis

Primary care health professionals are usually the first point of contact for patients with respiratory problems. Patients can present a wide range of initial symptoms, and respiratory diagnosis is a complex process that will not be achieved within a single 10-minute consultation.

Respiratory infections

Respiratory tract infections represent some of the most commonly seen conditions in primary care. Although the majority of upper respiratory infections are self-limiting in nature, many patients still present to their doctor, often seeking relief from symptoms such as persistent pain from a sore throat.

Tobacco dependence

Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature death globally due to the many diseases which are attributed wholly or partially to smoking resulting in nearly six million deaths a year.

IPCRG

Search