New for 2026! Asthma, hypertensive emergencies, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and more

Agenda

• 30 min

  Pruritus

  A review of the common causes of pruritus (itching), the severe impact and management challenges of persistent itching as well as the “itch–scratch cycle” and how to break it. We outline the key features that indicate systemic disease and consider investigations, management options and when to refer for further assessment.

• 30 min

  Young onset dementia

  Here, we explore the unique presentation and differential diagnosis of dementia before age 65 and specific challenges it poses for working age patients. The session highlights causes, differences from classical presentations and an overview of primary care support for clinicians, patients and carers.

• 30 min

  Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

  This presentation outlines the clinical features, diagnostic criteria and management of POTS in primary care, with initial investigations and referral pathways. We consider the need for investigation and compare POTS with common alternative and coexisting diagnoses. Finally, we explore the impact on the patient.

• 30 min

  Hypertensive emergencies

  This session considers the differences between acute, severe hypertension and hypertensive emergencies and reviews the indications for a same-day assessment in secondary care and primary care investigations and treatment.

• 30 min

  Asthma: changes in diagnosis and management

  Here, we review the new 2024 joint guideline on asthma from the British Thoracic Society, NICE and SIGN. It aims to demystify anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy, maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) and the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and discusses how this guideline changes the primary care diagnosis and management of asthma.

• 30 min

  Bronchiolitis

  This session focuses on the diagnosis of bronchiolitis and reviews the risk factors for more severe illness. It considers symptomatic management that can be recommended in primary care, signs and symptoms of more severe illness and when secondary care involvement is required.