Responding to the publication of the updated ‘British guideline on the management of asthma’ (British Thoracic Society/ Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:
“Asthma is a variable condition which can be challenging to diagnose. This new guidance will help support doctors and other healthcare professionals to treat patients based on the most up to date evidence available.
We welcome the recognition that asthma cannot be simply diagnosed with a single assessment and that various tests, trials and treatments may be required. It is also important to note the role of weight reduction measures in controlling asthma”.
Note to Editors:
- The ‘British guideline on the management of asthma’ (September 2016) (full version) and a ‘Quick Reference Guide’ summary is available to download from www.sign.ac.uk and www.brit-thoracic.org.uk
- The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develops evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. SIGN guidelines are derived from a systematic review of the scientific literature and are designed as a vehicle for accelerating the translation of new knowledge into action to meet our aim of reducing variations in practice, and improving patient-important outcomes. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh was a co-founder of SIGN and continues to work closely with the Network.
- The British Thoracic Society (BTS) is the UK’s professional body of respiratory specialists. The Society seeks to improve standards of care for people who have respiratory diseases and to support and develop those who provide that care.A registered charity, it has over 3,000 members including doctors, nurses, respiratory physiotherapists, scientists and other professionals with a respiratory interest.
