NHS Evidence

Welcome to NHS Evidence - respiratory

The specialist collection addresses a wide range of topics relating to the health and well being of individuals with respiratory problems or concerns. It is primarily aimed at professionals, but it is hoped that it will be of value to anyone seeking high quality information relating to respiratory health and diseases. Further patient information can be accessed via NHS Direct Online.

The specialist collection will continue to evolve and grow and if you have any questions, comments and/or suggestions, please get in touch with us. We also encourage you to sign up to our mailing list for updates about the library. We regret that we are unable to respond to personal medical queries and such messages will not be answered. For such matters we would advise you to contact NHS Direct or your usual doctor.

2009 Annual Evidence Update for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The latest evidence in COPD published in the last 12 months

Alert - Important information about swine flu

National Pandemic Flu Service

Swine flu latest from the NHS	Swine flu science: overview
Health Protection Agency Weekly pandemic flu update 19 November 2009

What's New

Annual Evidence Update for COPD

The latest evidence for COPD published in over the last 12 months.

Information materials to support the swine flu vaccination programme

A list of all Department of Health materials produced to support the swine flu vaccination programme.

Vitamin D supplementation for cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder with multiorgan effects. In a subgroup with pancreatic insufficiency malabsorption of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) may occur. Vitamin D is involved in calcium homeostasis and bone mineralisation and may have extraskeletal effects. This review examines the evidence for vitamin D supplementation in CF.

Regular treatment with formoterol versus regular treatment with salmeterol for chronic asthma - serious adverse events

An increase in serious adverse events with both regular formoterol and regular salmeterol in chronic asthma has been demonstrated in previous Cochrane reviews.

Rapid viral diagnosis for acute febrile respiratory illness in children in the Emergency Department

Pediatric acute respiratory infections (ARIs) represent a significant burden on pediatric emergency departments (ED) and families. Most of these illnesses are due to viruses. However, investigations (radiography, blood and urine testing) to rule out bacterial infections and antibiotics are often ordered because of diagnostic uncertainties. This results in prolonged ED visits and unnecessary antibiotic use. The risk of concurrent bacterial infection has been reported to be negligible in children over three months of age with a confirmed viral infection. Rapid viral testing in the ED may alleviate the need for precautionary testing and antibiotic use.

Protein-containing synthetic surfactant versus protein-free synthetic surfactant for the prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. RDS is caused by a deficiency, dysfunction, or inactivation of pulmonary surfactant. Numerous surfactants of either animal extract or synthetic design have been shown to improve outcomes. New surfactant preparations that include peptides or whole proteins that mimic endogenous surfactant protein have recently been developed and tested.

Mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation

Innovative effective smoking cessation interventions are required to appeal to those who are not accessing traditional cessation services. Mobile phones are widely used and are now well integrated into the daily lives of many, particularly young adults. Mobile phones are a potential medium for the delivery of health programmes such as smoking cessation.

Regular treatment with salmeterol and inhaled steroids for chronic asthma - serious adverse events

Newly published Cochrane systematic review

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the common cold

Newly published Cochrane systematic review

Mono and multifaceted inhalant and-or food allergen reduction interventions for preventing asthma in children at high risk of developing asthma

Newly published Cochrane systematic review