Respiratory diagnoses are aided by new guide.(a guide for general practitioners developed by International Primary Care Respiratory Group)(Brief Article)

A comprehensive guide to help GPs differentiate between respiratory diseases has been produced by an international group on respiratory medicine.

The guide was developed by the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) and includes detailed questionnaires and diagnostic pathways to lead GPs to a correct diagnosis.

For patients who do appear to have a chronic airways disease, a comprehensive flow chart aids differential diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD.

One section focuses on differentiating asthma and COPD, which is a 'major challenge' to primary care professionals.

Unlike NICE's guidelines, and in common with the …