Primary care respiratory journal : journal of the General Practice Airways Group
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To assess the risk of pneumonia among COPD patients using salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination inhalers (SFC), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), or long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), alone or in combination, compared to those using only short-acting bronchodilators (SABD). ⋯ Treatment with ICS or an ICS/LABA combination inhaler was not associated with a significantly increased risk of developing pneumonia.
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We describe the set-up of a population-based study focussed on respiratory conditions, and describe a pilot study - the PULmons SAns Illes Balears (PULSAIB) study - aimed at investigating the natural history of COPD, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and other common chronic diseases. ⋯ A cohort study in the Balearic population to investigate the natural history of COPD and OSA is feasible.
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To evaluate prescriptions of asthma medication for children in primary care. ⋯ Continuation of asthma medication in children is low. Age at first prescription and the type of asthma medication are predictors of continuation of asthma medication from preschool into school-age.
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A UK survey of general practitioners (GPs) in 2002 found that they perceived allergy care throughout the UK National Health Service (NHS) to be poor. We conducted a follow-up survey in 2009 to see if GPs' perceptions had changed. ⋯ This survey suggests that recent professional and parliamentary reviews have not led to any notable improvements in GP perceptions of UK NHS allergy services between 2002 and 2009.