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The article discusses the efficacy and appropriate usage of mucolytics to prevent exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Topics include the effect of mucus accumulation in the airways, considerations when prescribing mucolytic therapy for COPD, and doses and costs of mucolytic therapies.

The article focuses on diagnostic problems for co-morbid cardio-respiratory ailments in Great Britain. It mentions that one of the biggest spending in the National Health Service (NHS) is related to long-term conditions where co-morbidities are common, that is why early diagnosis is vital to reduce hospital confinement and complications. The Department of Health's Quality, Innovation, productivity and Prevention (QIPP) program is supporting the NHS to improve care effectively.

The article offers helpful clues to coughs that can be self-managed and those which need to be taken more seriously. It describes the classifications of coughing, such as acute, resolving and chronic and persistent, and their underlying causes and symptoms. It also discusses the importance of taking a good history, when to refer and any medication or remedy that might help to alleviate the cough.

The article offers clinical information on bronchiectasis, an abnormal and permanent dilatation and distortion of the bronchi. Bronchiectasis is causes by the recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. Its symptoms include chronic cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss and pleuritic chest pain, among others. The diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapeutic management of bronchiectasis are also discussed.

The article offers insights on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. The British National Institute for Clinical Excellence defines an exacerbation as a sustained worsening of the patient's symptoms, which include increasing cough. More than 10% of acute medical admissions are accounted for by COPD exacerbations. It cites the importance of patient education on determining an exacerbation and how to deal with it.

The article focuses on the use of spirometry in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. The role of nurses is significant to the management of respiratory conditions. Chronic cough is one of the symptoms of COPD. Volumes of air breathed in and out is being measured in spirometry.

Discusses the mucolytic therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Description and symptoms of COPD; Causes of COPD; Information on the therapeutic mechanism of mucolytics.

The article discusses the practicalities of reviews for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A review is necessary to allow the patient to ask questions and raise concerns and to enable the nurse to identify health issues that the patient may feel are not important enough. A practice protocol is the ideal tool for guiding a review. This should be developed with the designated nurse and a doctor. Factors such as cough, shortness of breath, smoking status and body mass index are also explained.