GEM - Curriculum statement 15.8 respiratory problems
Knowledge Base for the nMRCGP
Curriculum Statement 15.8 Respiratory Problems
Symptoms:
- Breathlessness, cough, wheeze, chest pain, sputum production, haemoptysis
Common and/or important conditions:
- Upper respiratory tract infections: sore throats and colds, tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, laryngitis and tracheitis
- Lower respiratory tract infections: influenza, bronchiolitis, bronchitis and pneumonia (of any cause)
- Acute non-infective respiratory problems: allergy and anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pulmonary embolus, pneumothorax, aspiration of a foreign body
- Chronic lower respiratory problems: chronic cough, asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, chronic interstitial lung diseases
- Lung cancer
Investigation:
- Serial peak flow measurement, including patient diaries
- Reversibility testing using peak flow meter
- Spirometry
- Knowledge of secondary-care investigations and treatment including lung function assessment, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment:
- Understand principles of treatment for common conditions managed largely in primary care – upper and lower respiratory tract infections, asthma, COPD, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Inhaler technique for using commonly used devices.
Emergency care:
- Acute management of people presenting with shortness of breath
- Acute management of anaphylaxis
- Management of exacerbations of asthma and COPD
- Understand indications for emergency referral of people with asthma, COPD and anaphylaxis
Prevention:
- Smoking cessation assessment, advice and management
- Vaccination against influenza, streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenza b, diphtheria and pertussis
- Health education advice and patient self-management plans for people with asthma and COPD
- Understand avoidance of triggers and prophylaxis for allergic conditions
- Investigation of people with family history of genetic respiratory disease, e.g. cystic fibrosis
Related GPnotebook Educational Modules (GEMs):
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.