Early stage COPD carries a significant healthcare burden that is currently underrecognised, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Furthermore, patients at this stage can rapidly decline to advanced disease, especially if they continue to smoke. The natural history of the disease in early stages remains largely unknown, but emerging evidence indicates that specialists are able to reduce lung function decline and exacerbations, and improve quality of life, in early stage COPD, mainly through smoking cessation.

The long-awaited updated guidance on diagnosing lung cancer was released last week by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK, replacing previous recommendations published in 2005.

Marie Feely learns of the unique advances in the Mater Private Hospital’s Heart Centre that are improving patients’ lives

Eczema, or  atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory disease of the skin. The condition often has its start in childhood and follows a variable and sometimes unremitting course. Historically, this disease has been considered a part of a triad of “atopy” that included asthma and allergic rhinitis, though this association has recently come into question.