Long Term Conditions

Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrower. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. With the right treatment and support, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

Symptoms of asthma

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Symptoms can vary between individuals. Some people experience them only occasionally, while others may have symptoms more frequently.

Treatment for asthma

Although there is no cure for asthma, treatments can help keep symptoms under control. Your personalised treatment plan may include:

• Reliever inhalers for immediate symptom relief
• Preventer inhalers to reduce inflammation
• Regular reviews with a healthcare professional
• Personal asthma action plans

Living with asthma

Understanding and avoiding your triggers is an important part of managing asthma. Keeping a diary of symptoms, using a peak flow meter, and attending your annual asthma review can help keep your condition well controlled.

Useful Links

Asthma + Lung UK
Reliable information on symptoms, inhalers, action plans and living well with asthma.

NHS – Asthma
Up-to-date NHS guidance on symptoms, triggers, treatment options and when to seek help.

If you have concerns about your symptoms or treatment, please contact the surgery or speak to your pharmacist for advice.

Cancer

Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. There are many different types of cancer, and symptoms vary depending on the area of the body affected. This page provides general information and links to trusted organisations for further support and guidance.

Support from Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan provides emotional, practical and financial support for anyone affected by cancer. Their online resources include videos, information guides and real stories from people living with cancer.
Macmillan Video Library

Cancer Research UK also provides videos and educational information to help people understand cancer, treatment options, research and support services.
Cancer Research UK Video Library

Useful Links

Cancer – Healthtalk
Healthtalk provides real stories and experiences from people living with cancer. It is a useful resource to learn how others manage diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer.

Cancer Research UK
Free, reliable information on all types of cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, screening, prevention and ongoing research.

Macmillan Cancer Support
Guidance, emotional support, financial advice, practical help and a free support line for anyone affected by cancer, including families and carers.

NHS – Cancer
Up-to-date NHS information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, screening programmes, and when to seek medical advice.

If you have any concerns about cancer symptoms or treatment, please contact the surgery or speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle becomes narrowed or blocked due to a build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma). It is one of the most common heart conditions in the UK, but many cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and early management of risk factors.

Common causes and risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise and a family history of heart disease.

British Heart Foundation – Support & Information

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) provides videos and resources to help people understand CHD, lifestyle changes, treatments and emergency care such as hands-only CPR.
BHF Video Library

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

The British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) recommends using only clinically validated home blood pressure monitors. These devices provide reliable readings when used correctly. Higher cost does not mean greater accuracy.

View a list of clinically validated BP monitors

Useful Links

CHD – Healthtalk
Healthtalk shares real stories from people living with heart conditions and offers information about diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes.

British Heart Foundation – CHD Information
Reliable information on symptoms, tests, treatment, recovery and prevention.

NHS – Coronary Heart Disease
Up-to-date NHS guidance on symptoms, causes, treatment options and how to reduce your risk.

If you are worried about chest pain, breathlessness or symptoms of heart disease, please contact the surgery or seek urgent medical advice.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that causes narrowing and damage to the airways, making it difficult to breathe in and out. COPD includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main symptoms are breathlessness, persistent cough, and increased mucus production.

What is COPD?

Useful Links

NHS – COPD
Up-to-date NHS information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, flare-ups, inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle advice.

Asthma + Lung UK – COPD
Comprehensive support on managing COPD, including breathing techniques, exercise, medication and patient support services.

If you are experiencing worsening breathlessness, chest symptoms, or concerns about COPD management, please contact the surgery or speak to your healthcare professional for advice.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose levels. This happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin it does produce does not work effectively. The main types are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body not producing insulin and usually requires lifelong insulin therapy from diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is much more common and develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough. It can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medication and monitoring.

Managing Diabetes

Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is important to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Management may include:

• Healthy eating and weight management
• Regular physical activity
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Medication such as Metformin, GLP-1 therapies or insulin (as needed)
• Annual diabetes reviews and foot checks

Diabetes UK – How to Take a Blood Glucose Test

Further education videos are available on the Diabetes UK Video Channel .

Useful Links

Diabetes – Healthtalk
Real experiences from people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including diagnosis, treatment and daily management.

Diabetes UK
Information on symptoms, healthy living, diet, support groups and managing diabetes day-to-day.

NHS – Diabetes
Detailed NHS guidance on symptoms, causes, treatments, blood glucose control, and reducing your risk.

If you have concerns about diabetes or changes in your symptoms, please contact the surgery or speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

Mental Health

Mental health affects how we think, feel and behave. Around one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Mental health conditions vary widely – including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders and dementia – and can affect people of any age.

Support is available through healthcare professionals, voluntary services, talking therapies, and local community organisations. Seeking help early can make a significant difference.

Alzheimer’s Society – Interview with Terry Pratchett

The Alzheimer’s Society provides support, information and advice for those affected by dementia, as well as their carers.

More videos are available on the Alzheimer’s Society Video Channel .

Mental Health Wellbeing Podcasts

You can listen to wellbeing podcasts on the Mental Health Foundation website.

The Mental Health Foundation provides information on mental wellbeing, prevention, recovery, and practical guides to support individuals, families and carers.

Useful Links

Mental Health – Healthtalk
Real stories and experiences from people living with a wide range of mental health conditions.

Alzheimer’s Society
Information, advice and support relating to dementia, including diagnosis, treatment pathways and support services.

Mental Health Foundation
A leading UK mental health charity offering research, guidance and practical resources to support emotional wellbeing.

NHS – Mental Health
NHS information on symptoms, treatments, local services, crisis support and how to access talking therapies.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please contact the surgery, speak with a healthcare professional, or access urgent support if needed.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK. It causes the protective cartilage on the ends of bones to break down over time, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced movement. It can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, feet and spine.

Osteoarthritis: A Real Story

Who Develops Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, typically affecting adults over 50, and is more common in women. However, younger people can also develop osteoarthritis, often due to joint injury, repetitive strain or inherited joint conditions. It is not an inevitable part of ageing, and treatment can significantly improve symptoms.

Useful Links

Versus Arthritis
Versus Arthritis provides up-to-date information on osteoarthritis, treatments, self-management, exercise videos and support communities.

NHS – Osteoarthritis
NHS guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, lifestyle management, pain relief options and when to seek medical advice.

If joint pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life, please contact the surgery or speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support.

Living with Pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for longer than three months and may affect daily life, mood, sleep and mobility. Although it can be challenging to live with, there are many treatments and strategies that can help improve quality of life.

The NHS website offers practical support, self-help advice, and information on managing different types of pain.

Your GP may be able to refer you to specialist pain management services, physiotherapy, psychological therapies or community support groups to help reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day wellbeing.

Useful Links

• Back pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Pain Concern – UK charity offering support, leaflets, pain management information and helplines.

If you are struggling with persistent pain, please contact the surgery or speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support.

Stroke

A stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die, which can lead to brain damage, disability or death.

Strokes require urgent treatment. The faster someone receives help, the more likely it is that damage can be reduced. The FAST test helps you recognise the signs of a stroke:

• Face – Has it fallen on one side?
• Arms – Can they raise them?
• Speech – Is it slurred?
• Time – Call 999 immediately

The NHS provides detailed information about stroke symptoms, risk factors, treatment and recovery.
NHS – Stroke

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke", happens when there is a temporary interruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. Symptoms are similar to a stroke but typically resolve within minutes and always within 24 hours.

Even though symptoms improve quickly, a TIA is a medical emergency. Immediate assessment and treatment are vital to reduce the risk of another TIA or a full stroke.

NHS - TIA (Transient ischaemic attack)