Asthma is a common condition affecting adults and children alike. The predominent symptom is wheeze which occurs on and off and is fully reversible. We diagnose asthma in the surgery with a simple test of blowing strength which may need to be repeated daily for a couple of weeks at home, or by a spirometry test in the surgery administered by the nurses.
Asthma is usually treated with inhalers and our practice nurses are fully trained in the use of the various kinds. It is important to have the right inhaler for the individual and the nurses will work with you to make sure your treatment is optimised so that you have as little trouble from our asthma as possible. Therefore it is important to attend regualr check ups with the nurses and at least an annual check up, bringing your inhalers with you, so that the nurse can make sure they are right for you.
Not smoking and, if you are taking a steroid inhaler, a flu jab, will help minimise the problems you get with your asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, formerly called Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease, is a long-term condition of the lungs in which the lungs become stiff and the patient has difficulty breathing and can wheeze. The majority, but not all, of people with COPD have been smokers and this condition will stop deteriorating when the patient stops smoking.
The condition is usually diagnosed at the surgery by the practice nurses with a simple test called a Spirometry test. In this test the patient is asked to blow into a machine whilst the machine draws a graph of their breathing strength.
The majority of COPD is treated with inhalers and there are various ones which work in different ways. The nurse will work with you to make sure we find the right inhaler for you.
At least once a year, and more often if you have troublesome symptoms, we would like you to come to the nurse for a full check-up, bringing with you your inhalers so that we can assess whether they are still right for you or whether anything has changed. The spirometry test will be repeated annually to assess whether your COPD is stable or not.
Each September you should have a flu jab as influenza can be more severe in people with this condition, and once in your life a pneumococcal vaccination to prevent against pneumococcal pneumonia and septicaemia.
Diabetes Mellitus is a disease with rising incidence locally and nationally. It falls into two types. Type 1 is caused by a lack of insulin produced by the body and is always treated with insulin injections. Patients with this condition are usually monitored by our sepcialist colleagues in secondary care for their diabetes.
Type 2 usually starts in adult life and can be related to genetic factors and weight. This type has a variety of treatments and we usually look after all but the most severe cases within primary care at the practice.
All the doctors and the practice nurses are fully trained in the management of type 2 diabetes and continue to have update educational sessions. We offer regular appointments with the practice nurse for monitoring and we encourage everyone living with diabetes to attend their checkups regularly. Diabetes is a disease than can affect many organs of the body and it is very important that you have your annual blood tests, eye check, foot check and general checkup with the nurse at the very least.
In addition VCH hospital runs an excellent educational service for patients who want to know more about their condition and we are urging everyone who has diabetes and their families to go on this course to learn how better to manage the condition. If you haven't been yet, ask the nurse for details.
Each September you should have a flu jab as influenza can be more severe in people with this both types of diabetes, and once in your life a pneumococcal vaccination to prevent against pneumococcal pneumonia and septicaemia.
We look after many people who have heart disease which may be angina, after a heart attack or heart failure. Our practice nurses are fully trained in heart disease monitoring and offer checks as often as required in the individual case to monitor your condition. When required they will alert the doctor to any change.
Each September you should have a flu jab as influenza can be more severe in people with this condition, and once in your life a pneumococcal vaccination to prevent against pneumococcal pneumonia and septicaemia.
If you have a long-term impairment of kidney function it is important to have a blood and urine test and a blood pressure test at least once a year to monitor this condition.
We look for protein leaking into the urine as this is an accurate measure of the health of the kidneys. Keeping the blood pressure as low as possible reduces damage to impaired kidneys and prolongs their life and slows deterioration. It is very important therefore to take any medication regularly and attend for regular checkups.
People who have epilepsy are encouraged to come to the surgery once a year for a general health check and to assess whether anything more may be done to help them with their condition as from time to time there are new medications available etc.
We offer a general health check annually including blood pressure, height and weight and lifestyle advice and annual blood tests.
Please speak to the receptionist team to arrange this with the nurse.
People who have long-term serious mental health problems or are under the care of the psychiatric department are encouraged to come to the surgery once a year for a general health check including blood pressure, height and weight and lifestyle advice and annual blood tests.
Please speak to the receptionist team to arrange this with the nurse.