ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better understanding of respiratory medicine and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. Patients often have their inhalers changed in primary care because of various prescribing initiatives and the constraints of local formularies. Common acute causes of breathlessness in pregnancy include pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infections and exacerbations of existing respiratory disease. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs while handling patients with respiratory disease. Diagnoses of the following diseases/disorders are recommended: dysfunctional breathing, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), primary amyloidosis of the lung, and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. The chapter then provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
