NEWS


NEw gUIDElINE hElPS TO DEfINE DIAgNOSTIC PAThwAyS


Today, nut allergies are a global problem that affect over two per cent of children and one in 200 adults. But now a new guideline has been launched to help improve diagnosis and management.


The guideline, which has been published by the Standards of Care Committee of the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), aims to bring together the latest science in order to improve the diagnosis and management of peanut and tree nut allergy.


The guideline uses step-by-step algorithms help to outline the diagnostic process from clinical history to the use of both skin-prick testing and IgE testing (including the role of new nut component-specific IgE testing).


The guideline offers practical help to healthcare professionals and should


aid triage of patients while explaining current thinking on a variety of issues. It also contains clear direction for when referral for hospital-based challenges should be considered.


A range of useful information, from advice on identifying high risk groups to details of the latest generation of allergy tests to updated advice for schools to help manage children with nut allergy, is included in a new guideline that brings together the latest thinking on the science, diagnosis and management of nut allergies.


The introduction of this new nut allergy guideline is particularly timely, given the continued increase in the numbers of people with allergies and a rise in deaths, particularly in younger patients, since the early 1990s. Often a lifelong condition requiring constant vigilance, nut


allergy may reduce quality of life even more than illnesses such as diabetes.


Dr Andrew Clark, one of the lead authors, is excited about the scope of the new guideline, which he believes will be of real benefit to those treating people with nut allergy.


‘The next goal for healthcare providers,’ he said, ‘is to promote a


society-wide awareness of the need to create a better and safer environment for nut allergy sufferers. In the meantime, ensuring equality of access to the latest in diagnostic techniques must be the short-term priority.’


The full guidelines can be found at: http://www.bsaci.org/guidelines/pea nut-and-tree-nut-allergy


mAkINg A DIffERENCE TO PEOPlE wITh COPD


As a pharmacist, you’ll most certainly have patients with COPD, who collect their medication month after month and year after year. During that time, you’ll no doubt notice that their


breathing and quality of life gradually become steadily worse.


Now you can help signpost your patients to a new ‘Taking Control’


self-management programme that’s being run by Northern Ireland Chest heart and Stroke.


‘Taking Control’ is a free, weekly workshop lasting two and a half hours over six weeks, which aims to help patients develop the skills and confidence they need to better manage their long-term health condition. In addition to respiratory patients it is also suitable for patients with heart disease and stroke.


During November, you will receive a pack of leaflets from Northern Ireland Chest heart and Stroke which would be a useful guide when you are counselling patients about their COPD or during their medicines Use Review.


frank johnston 26 - PhARmACy IN fOCUS


Patients can be referred to the NIChS ‘Taking Control’ self- management programme via www.nichs.org.uk/referral or by email to pmillar@nichs.org.uk.


The charity also accepts referrals from healthcare professionals or self referrals. just listen to what the programme has done for frank johnston, who was diagnosed with COPD in 2014.


‘Back in those early days, I was having an exacerbation every five to six weeks. I couldn’t sleep lying down as I found it difficult to breathe. I also had to give up golf.


‘One day, while collecting my prescription, I saw a poster from Northern Ireland Chest heart and Stroke and contacted them. They told me that, although COPD can’t be cured, it can be managed. I didn’t believe them!


‘I went on their ‘Taking Control’ programme as a total sceptic, but it has been a complete transformation.


‘I haven’t had any exacerbations for 18 months. I sleep lying down in my bed and I am back to playing golf. It has given me a new lease of life.’


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