…around 60 % and is not specific: motor neurone disease, myopathies and Lambert–Eaton syndrome may also give a positive result. A negative test does not…

…such as decreases in blood pressure and mild azotemia. However, two distinct side effects—nonproductive cough and angioedema—are specifically related to the potentiation of…

…A misplaced tube in the airway produces no reliable symptoms in a patient with an impaired cough reflex, and the first feed then becomes a…

…subacute worsening of dyspnoea, cough and sputum in particular that exceeds the patient's normal variation and requires a change of treatment. Common precipitants are…

…Mild allergic reaction Skin or mucosa only, stable breathing and circulation Observation, a non sedating antihistamine for symptoms Anaphylaxis Objective airway, respiratory or circulatory compromise…

…to show a colleague. Indications Investigation of chronic cough, dyspnoea, wheeze or reduced exercise capacity. Suspected asthma or COPD — diagnosis and follow up. Risk groups:…

…Copious secretions without an effective cough. Choice of method and settings Condition Method Starting pressure Escalation Oxygen target : : : : : Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema CPAP 5–7.5…

…drop in blood pressure, and finally a reduction in heart rate. This sequence is characteristic of neurally mediated hypotension. Clinical Presentation and Symptoms Vasovagal syncope…

…drugs . The diagnosis rests on the history, a positive Dix–Hallpike test and the absence of other neurological findings. The treatment is a repositioning manoeuvre…

…Checking an intrauterine device or a pessary. Assessment of prolapse. Sampling for a suspected sexually transmitted infection — although chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be tested on…

…high airway pressures, for example severe ARDS, marked obesity or a stiff chest wall. Glottic or subglottic obstruction — the mask sits above the obstruction and…

…Preparation and equipment An examination couch that can be lowered, preferably allowing the prone position. Monitoring: pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG and capnography during sedation…