Chronic Disease Management

Asthma

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. These are the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal.

Please make it clear to reception staff that you are asthmatic when you phone.

Some of our clinical staff have specialist asthma qualifications. They run clinics in order that asthma may be assessed, advice offered, queries answered and the correct treatment ensured.

Patients on asthma medication should be seen at least once a year for a check-up with the nurse or clinical pharmacist who specialise in asthma.

The following factsheets, available from Patient UK give information and advice on a variety of asthma related topics:

What is asthma; who does it affect?

Management of Adult Asthma

Management of Childhood Asthma

For more information please visit the websites below:

External Websites:

NHS UK– Asthma’s symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and living with the condition

Asthma UK – an independent UK charity dedicated to conquering asthma.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease otherwise known as COPD, is the name for a group of lung conditions that can cause breathing difficulties. These diseases include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Breathing difficulties are caused by long-term damage to the lungs, often caused by smoking, and gets worse over time.

At the surgery we regularly monitor patients with COPD and provide an action plan to assist and help you to relieve your symptoms.

For more information please visit the websites below:

External Websites:

Relieve your symptoms and Stop Smoking – Smoke Free

Quit smoking – Quit.org

COPD explained – NHS UK

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease happens when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.

Over time this can build up and if your coronary arteries become narrow due to this build-up of fatty deposits, the blood supply to your heart will be restricted; this can cause angina (chest pains).

If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of getting CHD. If you already have heart disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing further heart-related problems.

External Websites:

Coronary Heart Disease – NHS UK

British Heart Foundation

Heart Research UK

Find Heart Disease Support Services– NHS UK

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.

There are two main types of diabetes, which are explained below:

• Type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
• Type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cell do not react to insulin

Normally, the amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach. When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves any glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it is broken down to produce energy.

However, in people with diabetes, the body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there is either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or because the insulin that is there does not work properly.

Our specialist diabetes team will provide you wilth support, regular reviews and the day-to-day care of your needs.

For more information please visit the websites below:

External Websites:

Diabetes UK

Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation

Hypertension

Hypertension relates to High Blood Pressure.

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, or immediate problems, but it is a major risk factor for developing a serious cardiovascular disease (conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood around the body), such as a stroke or heart disease.

External Sites:

High Blood Pressure Explained – NHS UK

Blood Pressure Association

British Heart Foundation

British Hypertention Society