The National Asthma Council Australia and Lung Foundation Australia today released a new evidence-based resource for primary care health professionals to help diagnose and manage patients with asthma–COPD overlap.
Developed by a panel of experts, the new information paper was prompted by the growing recognition of asthma–COPD overlap as a clinical entity and an emerging body of evidence around its prevalence, diagnosis and treatment. The National Asthma Council Australia and Lung Foundation Australia recognised the need for GPs and other primary care health professionals to have up-to-date information and advice to appropriately manage patients with asthma–COPD overlap.
Dr Kerry Hancock, expert panel member and general practitioner said: “Patients with asthma–COPD overlap should be identified and treated differently from people with COPD or asthma alone because they have more symptoms, more flare-ups, greater use of health services, and higher mortality than patients with either condition alone.”
The paper was developed based on the latest available evidence and implications for practice in primary care. While asthma–COPD overlap is a growing issue, there is limited evidence to guide pharmacological treatment for people with asthma–COPD overlap because these patients are excluded from most major studies of asthma or COPD treatment.
“This information paper provides interim advice for primary care professionals until firm guidelines can be developed from future research in this group of patients.”
The Asthma–COPD overlap information paper for health professionals is available to download online and order in hardcopy through the National Asthma Council Australia website and from Lung Foundation Australia’s Information and Patient Support Centre (1800 654 301). Copies can also be obtained from AstraZeneca representatives.
Development of the resource was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from AstraZeneca Australia. The National Asthma Council Australia and Lung Foundation Australia maintained strict editorial independence.
Both the National Asthma Council Australia and Lung Foundation Australia have a range of patient support services and resources available. For a copy of this latest resource or for more information, please visit nationalasthma.org.au or lungfoundation.com.au.
Download the Asthma-COPD overlap information paper here.
For further information, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact:
Lelde McCoy, The Reputation Group
Tel: 03 9645 7755
Mob: 0417362768
Email: [email protected]
