Resources

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in children, impacting one in 11 of our paediatric population (Asthma+Lung UK, 2025; NHS England, 2025). The multifactorial nature of asthma means that for some patients symptoms are perennial and for some it is very seasonal — it all depends on the trigger factors.

What we do know is a consistent peak for acute asthma in our children and young people — week 38.

The Asthma+Lung UK Respiratory Champions programme (www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/healthcareprofessionals/resp-champions) gives respiratory specialist healthcare professionals the opportunity to dedicate one day a week to a specific leadership role to improve respiratory outcomes. They are working alongside local healthcare communities and people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), playing a pivotal role in enhancing local healthcare policies and care pathways to improve outcomes for people with lung conditions. Here, we talk to Maria Eurton, respiratory nurse specialist and non-medical prescriber, Living Well Partnership primary care network (PCN), Southampton, about her role as an Asthma+Lung UK Respiratory Champion for Hampshire and Isle of Wight (HIOW) integrated care system (ICS).

Debridement is vital in wound bed preparation, creating a clean, moist environment that supports effective healing (Burnett et al, 2021). It facilitates the removal of devitalised tissue, bacteria, and debris, reducing infection risk and promoting healthy tissue growth (Mayer et al, 2024). Multiple debridement techniques exist such as sharp, larval, enzymatic, ultrasound, and surgical, however their use may be limited by required expertise or clinical setting. This article introduces an updated definition of debridement and traces its evolution from traditional methods to modern, patient-friendly technologies, exemplified by the innovative dual-sided monofilament pad, Debrisoft® Duo. It also includes some case series evaluating the effectiveness and practicality of Debrisoft Duo, particularly in managing wounds with persistent fibrous devitalised tissue where conventional sharp debridement is unsuitable.

This article explores the critical intersection between nutrition and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphasising the role of diet in managing the disease and improving patient outcomes. COPD, characterised by progressive airflow obstruction and systemic inflammation, is associated with malnutrition, which exacerbates muscle wasting and reduces lung function. Malnutrition is common in COPD patients due to factors like increased metabolic rate, impaired taste, and depression. The article discusses the importance of addressing malnutrition with high-protein, high-energy diets, and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to improve weight, muscle strength, and overall quality of life. Additionally, it highlights the potential benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, in managing COPD progression and related comorbidities. It concludes that while managing malnutrition is a priority, dietary approaches targeting inflammation may help to slow disease progression and enhance patient wellbeing.

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition with approximately 7.2 million cases diagnosed in the UK. This equates to about eight in every 100 people (Asthma+Lung UK, 2025a). Sadly, asthma deaths are at an all-time high and the UK has some of the worse asthma outcomes in Europe (eurostat, 2025). A recent survey suggests that many patients are not even receiving what is considered to be a ‘basic’ level of asthma care (Asthma+Lung UK, 2022). This article considers what really constitutes ‘good asthma care’ and how exactly this can be achieved in often short, primary care consultations. Patients with asthma can suffer from symptoms such as wheeze, cough, shortness of breath, tight chest, and many will have associated atopic conditions such as hay fever. It is a heterogenous disease, which means that patients experience it differently; no two asthmatic patients are the same and thus treatment and management for asthma should be tailored towards individuals and their needs.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease in older people. Three-quarters of people with PMR are women and individuals living in the south of England are at highest risk (Partington et al, 2018). Research indicates that around 17,244 people in England are diagnosed with PMR annually (Saha et al, 2023). This article aims to support general practice nurses (GPNs) in early recognition and diagnosis of PMR, effective treatment and prevention of complications such as blindness. It also focuses on preserving patient mobility and independence and minimising the risks associated with long-term corticosteroid treatment.

Despite the distinct advantages of new antidiabetic agents, gliclazide retains specific roles in contemporary type 2 diabetes management when prescribed judiciously. This article looks at a narrative review of current evidence examining gliclazide’s pharmacology, efficacy, safety profile, and targeted clinical applications. The main findings were that gliclazide demonstrates robust glucose-lowering efficacy (haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) reduction 11–16mmol/mol) in patients with residual beta-cell function (Simpson et al, 2013). Hypoglycaemia risk remains significant. Contemporary evidence also suggests that gliclazide does not accelerate beta-cell exhaustion (Khunti et al, 2013; Kalra et al, 2018). Specific scenarios where gliclazide is useful include short-term rescue therapy for steroid-induced hyperglycaemia, rapid glycaemic control when front-loading is appropriate, and when contraindications preclude sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Renal function monitoring is essential due to prolonged action in impairment (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2022; British National Formulary [BNF], 2024). The author concludes that gliclazide maintains validity in targeted scenarios when prescribed with individualised assessment. General practice nurses (GPNs) should ensure comprehensive hypoglycaemia education and regular patient monitoring.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition characterised by an underactive thyroid gland, resulting in a deficiency of thyroid hormones. It presents with variable symptoms, which can range from mild such as fatigue and dry skin, to more severe, such as shortness of breath. As it shares fairly wide ranging symptoms with many other common conditions, such as depression, menopause, etc, it can sometimes be missed. If left untreated, the outcome can be fatal. The condition is often diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting, and this article gives nurses and nonmedical prescribers an overview of the disease with the aim of helping them recognise and treat this condition, so as to improve outcomes and quality of life.

In this article, Leanne Hume, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) independent health and social care lead nurse (Northern), general practice nurse (GPN) and Queen’s Nurse (QN), and Michelle Raddings, RCN independent health and social care lead nurse (Yorkshire and Humber), explore why research in primary care matters. They reflect on the unique role of GPNs in identifying real-world questions, shaping evidence-based practice, and leading innovation from within community settings.

Past editorials, both my own and others I have read, reflect on the joys of spring; the warmer weather and the beauty of gardens in full bloom. This year we have all of this, and I am enjoying the weather and taking time to value and appreciate nature each day. I find this form of mindfulness helpful for my overall wellbeing within a busy day-to-day routine. However, I am also aware that this time of year doesn’t bring joy for all. In particular, those with hay fever can really struggle with the kind of weather and subsequent hay fever levels we have experienced this year. Where I live, the goat willow seeds are blowing everywhere — beautiful to look at but potentially sensitising for those prone to hay fever.