Understanding Cushing Syndrome and Its Silent Impact
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Imagine feeling constantly tired, gaining unexplained weight, or watching your skin bruise with the lightest touch, only to be told its high cortisol, poor diet, or aging. Cushing syndrome often hides in plain sight, its symptoms easily mistaken for more common issues. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder with an estimated global incidence of 1.8-4.5 cases per million people per year and a prevalence of 57-79 cases per million people. Cushing’s syndrome, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, typically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50, with the majority of cases occurring in the 30-40 age range. It’s more common in women but can also affect children and men. The typical female-to-male ratio for Cushing’s syndrome incidence is generally reported as being between 3 to 8 women for every 1 man. If left undiagnosed, this condition can spiral into severe health complications. With Cellmaflex, patients don’t have to wait weeks for answers. Whether it’s booking an online appointment without any phone call with an endocrinologist, reviewing your test results, or accessing your medical history from anywhere – you’re in control. Cellmaflex helps users find doctors, labs, pharmacies, and imaging centres nearby, making it easier to navigate a diagnosis like Cushing syndrome. In this blog, we’ll explore what Cushing syndrome is, how it develops, who is at risk, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how platforms like Cellmaflex can help you manage your health more effectively, every step of the way. What is Cushing’s Syndrome? Cushing syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when your body has too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cushing syndrome is also known as hypercortisolism. A syndrome is a medical term which means a group of signs and symptoms that occur together. You may see some people refer to this condition as Cushing’s syndrome. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is commonly referred to as the “stress hormone.” Your body releases extra cortisol when it is experiencing periods of stress. Cortisol helps your body deal with stress by: Increasing your heart rate. Increasing your blood pressure. Regulating your blood glucose. Regulating your respiration. Increasing muscle tension Detecting the root cause of the syndrome early is crucial. And with Cellmaflex, it’s easier than ever to book an appointment with the right specialist without waiting in queues or making phone calls. Causes of Cushing’s Syndrome The causes of Cushing syndrome are divided into two broad categories: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous Causes These are the most common and result from external sources of cortisol, particularly long-term use of corticosteroid medications. These are often prescribed for conditions like asthma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. When used for extended periods, these medications mimic cortisol and lead to the same destructive effects. In such situations, a slow taper of medication under supervision is important. If a patient simply stops, an Addisonian crisis will develop, which can be fatal. As well as keeping patients on a stable dose, monitoring and regular doctor check-ins, can help to avoid any crises. Endogenous Causes These are within our bodies: Cushing’s disease: a pituitary tumour secreting excessive ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone), which leads to excessive cortisol secretion. Adrenal tumours: these benign or malignant adrenal gland growths lead to excessive cortisol production directly. Ectopic ACTH production: some cancers, specifically small cell lung cancer, will produce ACTH outside of the pituitary, resulting in overload of cortisol. Whether it’s scheduling imaging tests or following up on lab results, Cellmaflex enables patients to manage their care journey efficiently. Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome The symptoms of Cushing syndrome are wide-ranging and often develop slowly, making them easy to overlook. Here’s how they break down: Physical Changes: Rapid weight gain, especially in the abdomen and upper back A rounded, red, moon-shaped face A fat pad between the shoulders (buffalo hump) Skin Changes: Purple or pink stretch marks (striae), especially on the abdomen, thighs, or breasts Easy bruising Thinning skin that heals poorly Hormonal Effects: Irregular or absent menstrual cycles in women Decreased libido Erectile dysfunction in men Mental and Emotional Effects: Persistent fatigue Mood swings Anxiety and depression Difficulty concentrating Other Symptoms: High blood pressure Elevated blood sugar or type 2 diabetes Frequent infections Muscle weakness, especially in the legs With Cellmaflex, symptom tracking becomes easier — enabling patients to share real-time updates with clinicians, improving diagnostic accuracy. Who is at Risk? Certain populations are more vulnerable to Cushing syndrome, including: Individuals on long-term corticosteroid therapy Women (3 times more likely to develop the syndrome than men) Adults between the ages of 20 and 50 People with hormone-secreting tumours (pituitary, adrenal, or ectopic sources) Whether you fall into a risk group or are unsure, Cellmaflex lets you search for endocrinologists, book consultations, and access screening services with just a few clicks. Diagnosis Due to the overlap of symptoms with other common conditions like obesity, diabetes, or depression, Cushing syndrome can be notoriously difficult to diagnose. Testing includes: 24-hour urinary cortisol test Late-night salivary cortisol test Dexamethasone suppression test Blood ACTH levels Imaging (MRI or CT scans) of the pituitary or adrenal glands Using Cellmaflex, patients can easily book lab tests, find nearby imaging centres, and track all results in one place. Most importantly, diagnosing and managing Cushing syndrome requires a specialist — an endocrinologist, and Cellmaflex can help you connect with the right one. Treatment Options The approach depends on the underlying cause: 1. Gradual Reduction of Steroid Use When the cause is exogenous (long-term steroid use), the key is tapering the dose slowly under medical guidance. Stopping steroids suddenly can cause adrenal insufficiency, which can be fatal. With Cellmaflex integrated scheduling and records, managing follow-ups and medication adjustments becomes seamless. 2. Surgery Pituitary tumours: Transsphenoidal surgery to remove the tumour Adrenal tumours: Surgical removal of the adrenal gland Ectopic ACTH sources: Surgery to remove the tumour if possible 3. Radiation Therapy Used when pituitary tumours cannot be fully removed surgically or recur. 4. Medications Drugs may be prescribed to reduce cortisol levels or block its effects. Each treatment
Integrated Care Delivery with Cellma and the NHS Plan
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents As of October 2023, there were an astounding 7.7 million people waiting for NHS treatment in England. With the introduction of integrated care systems (ICSs) and improved digital solutions, that number dropped to 7.6 million by February 2024. However, the end of long waits for treatment is nowhere in sight. In January 2025 alone, over 221,000 patients waited over 4 hours for emergency admission after the decision to admit. Over 129,000 patients waited for over 12 hours from their arrival to their admission in A&E (an all-time high). This is a clear signal that there are significant bottlenecks in care pathways, and an urgent need, across all health providers, to achieve a sense of urgency in the emergency care system. These are not mere numbers, they are accounts of delayed care, system overwhelm and disparate services. The challenge is sometimes not the lack of care, but the lack of connection. In response, the NHS introduced the ‘Fit for the Future’ 10-Year Plan, focusing on prevention, people-centred care, digital transformation, and, above all, integration. This is where Cellma, our NHS-aligned Electronic Health Record (EHR) and care coordination platform, plays a transformational role in enabling true Integrated Care Delivery. Why Integrated Care Delivery is the Future – And the Present Between December 2021 and November 2023, the NHS completed over 6.15 million patient pathways across hospital and community settings, a 46.8% increase. But managing millions of patients through fractured systems is unsustainable. Integrated care means building connected pathways, where a patient’s journey is supported from GP to discharge, home care to rehabilitation, without gaps, repetition, or loss of information. Integrated Care Systems and neighbourhood-based models demand not just clinical excellence, but digital architecture that supports collaboration across providers. Cellma, a modern age EHR, makes that vision a reality, every day, across the UK and internationally. Understanding How Cellma Supports Integrated Care at Every Step From entry to the system, to discharge, to follow-up, Cellma supports the full integrated care flow, bringing primary care, secondary services, mental health, community teams, and social care services on one digital platform. This is how: Entry & Risk Stratification Patients who enter care are typically via the GP, A&E, 111, or community referrals. With Cellma the entry to care is documented immediately, and risk stratified using the tools that can be configured to reflect the identification of frailty, long-term conditions (LTCs), or complex social needs, which is the pursuit of the patient. Care coordination starts early, with automated alerts and team assignment. Holistic Assessment Across Care Domains Cellma captures not just medical data, but also: Mental health evaluations Social determinants (housing, food insecurity, carer support) Functional assessments (mobility, ADLs) By bringing all of this into one shared EHR, Cellma ensures every stakeholder sees the full picture, not just their slice of it. Shared, Patient-Centred Care Planning With Cellma, care plans are: Co-created with patients and carers Accessible to all members of the MDT: GP, nurse, mental health worker, physio, pharmacist, voluntary sector, and more Customised with patient goals, lifestyle considerations, and clinical needs Care plans are stored directly within the EPR and accessible across ICSs — reducing duplication and enabling real-time updates. Collaborative Delivery Across All Aspects of Care Cellma allows all care professionals across settings to: View notes, referrals, diagnostics and prescriptions in real-time Link appointments, reviews, home visits and therapies Take advantage of automated notifications, clinical flags and tracking of adherence Link to social and voluntary care services encompassing food deliveries, befriending and transport Continuous Monitoring, Feedback and Adjustment Cellma enables: Dashboards for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Experience Measures (PREMs) Scheduled MDT reviews at 3, 6 or 12 months according to risk Real-time feedback loops to adapt care plans if the needs of the patient changes Cellma is a living system, not a static record. Crisis Support & Escalation Without Fragmentation Cellma helps de-escalate pressures on A&E by facilitating: Rapid response teams Virtual wards 24-hour 7-day community support lines If hospital admission is necessary, Cellma ensures every care provider has access to the full patient record so that potential unsafe duplications and wasting time in critical moments, are avoided. Integrated Discharge & Reablement Discharge planning begins at admission. Cellma enables Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to: Operationalise Discharge to Assess (D2A) pathways Facilitate intermediate care and home reablement service provision Link post-discharge reviews, medication reconciliation and community visits – all on one system End-of-Life & Long-Term Care Cellma supports: Advance Care Planning DNACPR documentation Hospice and palliative input with shared visibility across all settings This ensures dignified, person-centred care until the very end. Digital Foundations for a Healthier NHS Cellma doesn’t just digitise records, it digitises collaboration. It supports over 30 medical specialties, communicates via NHS-standard protocols (FHIR, HL7), and integrates effortlessly with existing systems. It’s: Cyber Essentials Plus Certified GDPR Compliant Aligned with NHS DSP Toolkit Featuring role-based access control and multi-factor authentication. Cellma can integrate all the various fragmented systems into a single, unified digital platform. Cellma becomes a Single Source of Truth, removing data silos, reducing mistakes, and informing more rapid, more confident clinical decision making. Delivering the NHS’s Long-Term Plan Today The NHS envisions a future of digitally enabled neighbourhood care where prevention, personalisation, and integration are the norm. But that future isn’t distant. It’s happening now in ICSs, Trusts, and community teams already using Cellma to coordinate care. Ready to support true Integrated Care Delivery? Book a Free Demo Recent Blogs Let’s transform healthcare together. Speak with RioMed for a tailored solution. Get in Touch FAQs
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Symptoms Guide
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Though your thyroid gland is small, it has a significant impact on your health. The butterfly-shaped gland sits in the front of your neck and produces hormones that control your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, and more. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to several health concerns, most commonly hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Hyperthyroidism impacts 2.5% of adults globally and can lead to serious complications like osteoporosis and heart disease. Overt hyperthyroidism affects approximately 0.2% to 1.4% of people worldwide. Approximately 200 million people globally were diagnosed with thyroid disease in 2018. Cellmaflex makes it easier to schedule appointments and improve your health by allowing you to book appointments online without calling, access your medical records from anywhere, and find doctors, labs, pharmacies, or imaging close to you. In this blog, we will explore what the thyroid is and how it works, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, common hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism symptoms, how both conditions are diagnosed and treated, when to see a doctor, lifestyle tips and how Cellmaflex supports your journey What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do? The thyroid is a part of your endocrine system, positioned at the base of your neck. It produces two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate your body’s metabolic rate. These hormones are controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. People often associate thyroid issues only with visible swelling or thyroid goitre. While a goitre (an enlarged thyroid) is an abnormality of the gland, it doesn’t always mean someone has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In fact, many with thyroid disease have no discernible enlargement. Thyroid hormones affect nearly every body – system, including: Cardiovascular health and heart rate Weight and metabolism Mood and brain function Digestive processes Skin and hair Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, which slows down body functions. Causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition) Iodine deficiency (though rare in developed countries) Post-thyroid surgery or radiation Certain medications Symptoms of hypothyroidism Fatigue and sluggishness Weight gain Cold intolerance Dry skin and hair Depression Menstrual irregularities Slow heart rate Risk Factors More common in women, especially over 60 Family history of thyroid disease Autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes Diagnosis Blood tests measure TSH and T4 levels. In hypothyroidism, TSH is high, and T4 is low. Treatment The standard treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. Consistent blood work is an important part of monitoring your dosage. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) Hyperthyroidism is the name given to when the thyroid produces excessive hormones that are and speeding up the way your body works. Being aware of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is crucial, as symptoms can be missed or mistaken for stress or aging. Causes Graves’ disease (an autoimmune condition) Thyroid nodules that produce extra hormones Thyroiditis (inflammation of the gland) Hyperthyroidism Symptoms Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite Rapid or irregular heartbeat Nervousness or irritability Sweating and heat intolerance Tremors (especially in hands) Sleep disturbances Frequent bowel movements Menstrual irregularities Eye problems (especially with Graves’ disease) The presence of hyperthyroidism symptoms can vary depending on age and the underlying cause, but they often lead to a significantly lower quality of life if left untreated. Risk Factors More common in women aged 20–40 Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease Smoking (increases risk for Graves’ ophthalmopathy) Diagnosis Testing includes: Low TSH, high T3 and T4 Thyroid scan to detect nodules or inflammation Antibody tests for Graves’ disease Treatment Antithyroid medications Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the gland Surgery in complex cases Cellmaflex gives you access to local endocrinologists and specialists, and you can book instant appointments online, without any phone calls. Comparing Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Feature Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Hormone levels Low T3/T4, High TSH High T3/T4, Low TSH Energy levels Fatigue, sluggishness Restlessness, nervous energy Weight changes Gain Loss Heart rate Slow Fast or irregular Temperature sensitivity Cold intolerance Heat intolerance Untreated, both conditions pose serious health risks. Hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease, while hyperthyroidism can cause cardiac arrhythmias or osteoporosis. That’s why getting the right diagnosis is vital, and not self-diagnosing based on internet symptoms. When to See a Doctor You should have your thyroid checked if you experience: Unexplained weight changes Mood swings, fatigue, or palpitations Neck swelling or discomfort Changes to skin, hair, or menstrual cycles Regular blood tests enable health care professionals to find thyroid issues before they worsen. Plus, once registered on Cellmaflex, you can book labs or scans easily. Living with Thyroid Disease If you have either condition, living with a thyroid disease requires continuous attention, but it’s manageable with: Medication Adherence When on thyroid medication, it’s critical to take medication consistently every day. Missing pills can make treatment less effective. Lifestyle Tips Eating a well-balanced diet that contains selenium, iodine (in moderation), and zinc Exercising on a regular basis to manage weight, and mood Consider stress management, especially with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Use caution with medicines/treatments like soy and cruciferous vegetables–these should be avoided if your doctor has advised you to restrict them. Cellmaflex will manage your prescriptions, follow up visits, and you can access your care team from any device to ensure that you are never missing information. Your thyroid is a tiny gland, with a lot of responsibility, so whether you have hyperthyroidism symptoms, or think you have an underactive thyroid, the sooner you catch it, the faster you can recover. Be proactive, stay connected, and let Cellmaflex help support your care, Are you ready to take control of your thyroid health? Register for Free Recent Blogs FAQs
Smarter Diabetes Management with CellmaEHR
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents As of 2025 Diabetes is one of the most serious chronic health problems in the UK – with over 5.8 million individuals are living with diabetes which is the highest number ever reported. Of those, approximately 1.3 million are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and an additional 6.3 million are at high risk of developing diabetes due to borderline blood sugars. This means that there are over 12.1 million adults in the UK urgently in need of Diabetes Management or prediabetes monitoring. Against this backdrop, healthcare professionals must address a complex clinical picture, one that requires early detection, multidisciplinary coordination, ongoing monitoring, complication management, and patient education. And they need to do it efficiently, safely, and in accordance with Clinical Guidelines set by NHS England and recommendations made by NICE. Cellma, our smart end-to-end EHR platform, is designed to support the complete care pathway, and gives clinicians real-time data, collaborative workflows, and clinical interventions at every step of Diabetes Management. Aligned with NHS Guidelines: How Cellma Meets National Clinical Standards Cellma has been developed with the NHS RightCare Diabetes Pathway, NICE’s Nine Key Care Processes, and standards established from NHS England. It allows: Automated recording for the nine annual review metrics: HbA1c, BP, cholesterol, BMI, renal function, retinal screening, foot assessment, smoking status and urinary albumin. Integrated care coordination of all the MDT members treating diabetes: diabetologists, dieticians, nurses, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists. Structured education referrals: e.g. DESMOND for type 2 or DAFNE for type 1, documented and audited in patient records. Accuracy in prescribing and titration: With alerts for drug interactions, contraindications (especially renal or hepatic impairment) and with insulin doses automatically recorded. Cellma supports the pathway from screening and diagnosis to treatment intensification and discharge from hospital and is consistent with NHS pathways, allowing continuity of care between primary, community, and secondary services. Clinical Conditions in Diabetes Management – And How Cellma Supports Them Clinical Condition How Cellma Supports Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – Diagnostic support with HbA1c, C-peptide, and autoantibody panels- Differentiation between Type 1, Type 2, MODY, and LADA using age, BMI, autoimmune markers, and disease progression Diabetic Neuropathy – Tracks symptoms of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy- Records neurological exams, foot sensation tests, and vibration perception with visual trend analysis Diabetic Retinopathy – Auto-generates retinal screening referrals- Allows image upload and result tracking- Sends alerts for missed or abnormal screenings Diabetic Nephropathy – Monitors urinary albumin, eGFR, and serum creatinine- Provides trend analysis and early nephrology referral prompts- Supports medication adjustment based on renal function Diabetic Foot Ulcers – Includes MDT risk stratification tools- Documents ulcers, ABPI results, vascular assessments, and debridement- Facilitates podiatry coordination for offloading and footwear Gestational Diabetes – Manages glucose tolerance testing- Offers trimester-specific monitoring templates- Integrates with antenatal and obstetric pathways Psychosocial Issues in Diabetes – Embeds mental health assessments within the EPR- Links psychological inputs with HbA1c variability and medication adherence- Tracks behavioural support and coping strategies With Cellma, clinicians are not just documenting—they are engaging in proactive, clinical decision support backed by integrated, real-time data. Key Features of Cellma for Diabetes Management Cellma combines great functionality with clinical depth to address Diabetes Management’ real-world issues: Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Diabetes-specific care pathways are embedded in every patient record to allow coordinated, connected care. Fully customisable templates are available for diabetes assessments, comorbidity logs, MDT records. Automated linkage of each episode to relevant labs, scans, education programs, clinician notes. Laboratory Integration Seamless integration with third-party pathology systems. Instant results for HbA1c, lipid profile, renal function, and glucose tolerance tests. Clinical alerts for values outside NICE target ranges. E-Pharmacy & Medication Safety Assists with achieving safe prescribing of metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and various forms of insulins. Provides titration tools for basal-bolus insulins. Identifies contraindications, renal dosing adjustments and possible interactions with statins or ACE inhibitors. Multidisciplinary Team Co-ordination Input from dietitian regarding carbohydrate counting. Record from the nursing team regarding training in injecting technique. Podiatry templates records to review and monitor the status of a Charcot foot and evolution of foot ulceration. Plans of care between primary, secondary and community groups can be done without a break in care. BI Reporting & Analytics Dashboards which show monitoring of HbA1c control across populations. Missed reviews prompting alerts and recurring issues related to non-adherents. Regional audit compliance and observation of QOF support. Document Management Upload of education programme certificates (DESMOND/DAFNE). Shared access to patient-held records and self-monitoring logs. Patient Portal Self-monitoring uploads (glucose diaries, insulin doses). Appointment tracking for annual reviews and specialist appointments. Messaging for questions, reminders, and alerts. With Cellma there will be improved closure of care gaps, earlier identification of complications, and tracking of patient journeys with clinical certainty and administrative ease. Reinforced Data Security, Privacy and Compliance Security is a must in Diabetes Management – and given the lifelong nature of the condition and type and quantity of clinical data being held, should always be the priority. Cellma is: Fully GDPR compliant NHS Digital DSP Toolkit certified Cyber Essentials Plus certified Role based access controlled End-to-end encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit Only registered clinicians have a right to access one or more specific modules, with an audited record of every access from the point of registration throughout the entire patient journey to ensure patient confidentiality and clinician accountability. Diabetes affects 1 in 11 adults in the UK, and for every patient diagnosed, healthcare systems must manage dozens of clinical steps, lab checks, and multidisciplinary inputs. Cellma makes this journey not only manageable but clinically optimised and future ready. From screening to complication management, Cellma is the gold standard for Diabetes Management, helping NHS Trusts deliver precision, safety, and coordinated care at every stage. Ready to see Cellma in action? Book a Free Demo Recent Blogs Let’s transform healthcare together. Speak with RioMed for a tailored solution. Get in Touch FAQs
Bronchitis Symptoms: Causes, Risks & When to Seek Care
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Worried about a persistent cough that just won’t go away? It could be bronchitis. This common condition affects the airways in your lungs, often causing discomfort, fatigue, and troubling respiratory symptoms. Whether it’s a short-term illness or a long-term condition, knowing what to watch for and what to do next can make a huge difference. With Cellmaflex, managing bronchitis is not overwhelming. You can book online appointments – without any phone calls, view your medical history anytime, anywhere, and find nearby doctors, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centres with just a few taps. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what bronchitis really is, the difference between acute and chronic bronchitis, and the most common causes behind it. We’ll walk through key bronchitis symptoms, who’s most at risk, and when it’s time to see a doctor. You’ll also learn how bronchitis is diagnosed and treated, what preventive steps can help, and how Cellmaflex supports you every step of the way. What Is Bronchitis? Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs, become inflamed. This inflammation may restrict airflow and result in cough, mucus, and difficulty with breathing. There are two types of bronchitis: Acute Bronchitis: This type is caused by a virus or viruses, is short-term, and usually follows a cold or flu. Most people get better in a few weeks. Chronic Bronchitis: A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis is inflamed bronchial tubes with cough and mucus lasting for at least 3 months, every day, for at least 2 years. Global Burden of Bronchitis The World Health Organisation reports that over 3.05 million people worldwide live with chronic bronchitis as part of the broader COPD category. The CDC states that acute bronchitis is among the top 10 reasons for outpatient visits, with over 8.7 million cases annually in the U.S. alone. The Lancet Global Health notes that 6.6% of adults over 40 are affected by chronic bronchitis worldwide, mostly due to smoking or occupational exposure. These figures further illustrate the importance of recognising the signs of bronchitis as soon as possible and utilising digital health solutions such as Cellmaflex to access care, locate services in your area, and view your medical record – 24/7, anywhere. Causes of Bronchitis It is vital to understand what causes bronchitis to help determine if it is acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis causes: Viruses: Because viruses are the most common cause of acute bronchitis, most patients of bronchitis will have the same viruses that caused their cold and/or influenza. Air quality pollutants: Smoke, smog, and chemical fumes can expose you to irritants in the lungs. Second-hand smoke: Exposure to second-hand smoke, even once in a while (even just breathing in a few puffs of a cigar or cigarette) can cause inflammation. Chronic bronchitis: Smoking: The primary cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Smoking for an extended period of time will damage and inflame the bronchial tubes. Extended irritants: An environmental or occupational area with dust, smoke, fumes, or chemicals can cause irritation and respiratory sequela that become chronic. Repeated respiratory infections: Inflammatory respiratory events, that may be called bronchitis or pneumonia, that are repeated over time can create chronic inflammation in the lungs. With Cellmaflex, patients can schedule check-ups with a respiratory specialist. Bronchitis Symptoms: What to Watch For Recognising bronchitis symptoms early helps prevent complications, especially in people with other chronic illnesses. Key bronchitis symptoms include: Persistent cough, which may produce mucus (clear, white, yellowish, or green) Chest discomfort or tightness Fatigue due to laboured breathing Wheezing or mild shortness of breath Slight fever and chills, more common in acute bronchitis In chronic cases, the cough may become a daily occurrence, especially in the early morning. Who’s at Risk? While anyone can develop bronchitis, the following groups may be significantly more vulnerable: Smokers and others exposed to second-hand smoke People with asthma, COPD, or allergies Older adults that may struggle with decreased lung function Workers who operate in dusty or chemical-based work environments Individuals with any immune-suppressed condition, or chronic disease who undergo immuno-suppression When to Visit a Doctor Some bronchitis symptoms may seem manageable at home, but others signal a more serious condition. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider. If you experience: A cough that lasts for longer than 3 weeks High fever that is unresponsive to your medications Shortness of breath or wheezing Coughing up blood or thick green/yellow mucus Frequent episodes of bronchitis over time (months or years) If you are looking for a specialist, Cellmaflex allows you to find a respiratory specialist or chest physician you can consult. Diagnosis and Treatment How Bronchitis Is Diagnosed: Physical examination: Listening to the lungs using a stethoscope Patient history: Including lifestyle factors like smoking or exposure to irritants Chest X-ray: To rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions Sputum tests: Often used to identify infection-causing organisms All your test results, imaging reports, and doctor’s notes can be stored and accessed easily via Cellmaflex, helping both patients and care teams keep everything in one secure place. Treatment Options: Acute Bronchitis: Rest and hydration Over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants, fever reducers Avoiding smoke and irritants Chronic Bronchitis: Bronchodilators and steroid inhalers to open airways Pulmonary rehabilitation Antibiotics, if bacterial infections are present Oxygen therapy, in severe cases Cellmaflex can support medication reminders, therapy schedules, and regular pulmonary rehab tracking, keeping patients compliant and informed throughout their care journey. Can Bronchitis Be Prevented? Prevention is particularly important for those with recurrent or chronic cases. Here are some of the ways to mitigate your risk: Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke Wear a mask when in a high-risk setting Wash your hands regularly Avoid close contact with people who are sick Stay up to date with vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Patients using Cellmaflex can receive vaccine updates to check local clinic availability. Bronchitis may seem like a common condition, but it can turn serious, particularly if the bronchitis signs are dismissed
Cardiology Department Digitalised with Cellma EHR
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be UK’s leading cause of death with over 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory disease, with more than 6.4 million in England. According to the British Heart Foundation, CVD is responsible for approximately 174,700 deaths, which represents 26% of all deaths. Of those deaths, around 49,000 are under 75 years of age. Additionally, over 1.4 million people in the UK have atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke, and more than 7 million are affected by hypertension, one of the most common and modifiable CVD risk factors. More worryingly, cardiovascular waiting lists in England have surged by 82% between 2020 and 2025, with critical conditions like heart failure and atrial fibrillation experiencing substantial delays in diagnosis and treatment. This growing burden places immense pressure on NHS cardiology services and underscores the urgent need for robust, digitally enabled care pathways. As cardiovascular care continues to grow in complexity, the importance of full, intelligent, and integrated digital health systems increases. The cardiology department has evolved beyond managing heart attacks and arrhythmias, but is now dealing with multi-morbidity, increasing demand, workforce shortages, and expectations for timely, consistent, and equitable care. Enter Cellma, a clinically robust, fully interoperable Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. Built to support all aspects of the cardiac care continuum, Cellma uniquely combines data, diagnostics, and decision support tools, providing a fundamentally different way of working – clinically, operationally, and safely – within the realm of cardiology. Aligning with NHS: Fully Integrated and Compliant with National Guidelines Cellma has been built and configured to comply and work seamlessly within the NHS. Specific integrations and standards include: NHS e-Referral Service (ERS) – supported streamlined triaging and booking from primary to secondary care. GP Connect / Summary Care Record (SCR) – enables specialists to access primary care information in real-time at the point of reviewing the patient. Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) – enables prescribing with the ability to prescribe and track outstanding prescriptions. NHS Spine Services – Cellma engages with national datasets with identity verification, demographics, and care settings. Interoperability with Diagnostic Labs, Imaging Systems, and Third-Party Platforms Supported by FHIR, HL7, and DICOM standards. The NHS Digital and NICE Guidelines – Clinical workflows in Cellma reflect the latest evidence-based standards for the management of CVD, CHD, arrhythmia, ACS, and hypertension. These integration allows the cardiology department to remain clinically compliant, rich in data and coordinated a delivery of care across the continuum. Clinical Spectrum of Cardiology: How Cellma Supports Complex Case Management Cardiac Condition How Cellma Assists the Cardiology Department Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) & Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Structured templates capture anginal symptoms, exercise tolerance, and previous MI history. Integrated imaging (CT coronary angiography) and procedure tracking (angiography, PCI) enable full visualisation of coronary anatomy and intervention outcomes. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Cellma flags abnormal BNP/NT-proBNP values, low LVEF from echocardiograms, and signs of fluid overload. Supports titration protocols for ACEi/ARNI, beta-blockers, and diuretics. Enables MDT documentation, auto-scheduling of cardiac rehab, and e-discharge summaries with medication optimisation. Hypertension Tracks longitudinal BP readings across care settings, flags hypertensive crises, and supports QRISK2/QRISK3 cardiovascular risk assessments. Provides clinical alerts for target organ damage, supports 24-hour ambulatory BP integration, and recommends NICE-guideline-based therapies. Valvular Heart Disease (e.g., Aortic Stenosis) Cellma integrates with echocardiography to track valve area, gradient, and left ventricular function. Structured notes for surgical vs. transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) decision-making. Follow-up alerts for echo surveillance intervals are automated. Arrhythmias (e.g., AF, VT) Integration with Holter monitor and ECG devices. Structured workflows for CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring, anticoagulation initiation, and electrophysiology referrals. Cellma assists in planning for cardioversion, ablation, or device therapy (e.g., pacemakers, ICDs). Congenital Heart Disease Captures lifelong congenital diagnoses and surgical history. Offers age-specific templates for paediatric to adult transition. Supports integration with national congenital heart disease registries and cross-team coordination for complex cases. Cardiomyopathies (e.g., Hypertrophic, Dilated) Cellma facilitates documentation of genetic findings, family screening, serial imaging, and exercise restrictions. Supports ICD/CRT decision-making and integrates with device follow-up data. Tracks NYHA class progression and symptomatic burden. Pericarditis, Endocarditis, Myocarditis Embedded diagnostic criteria (e.g., Duke’s for endocarditis) guide structured documentation. Lab and imaging integration supports rapid diagnosis. Treatment plans (e.g., IV antibiotics, immunosuppression) are tracked with alerts for lab monitoring. Syncope & PoTS Structured forms for tilt table testing, Holter, and ECG interpretation. Flags red-flag symptoms suggestive of cardiac syncope. Supports autonomic testing integration and referral to specialist services. Tackling Real-World Challenges in Heart Failure Care Heart failure care in the UK is confronted by delays in referral systems, a lack of communication, and challenges leveraging real-time diagnostics. Growing pressure and waiting times: NHS cardiovascular waiting lists in England are projected to grow by 82% between 2020 and 2025, further increasing bottlenecks to echocardiograms and consultant appointments. In-service variation: The only 4% of in-hospital heart failure services are achieving waiting time referral targets. Workforce shortages: Many services are unable to recruit and retain trained heart failure consultants. Data gaps: Observable outcomes like readmissions, mortality, and patient experience are seldomly recorded systematically. Cellma addresses these problems through its interconnected modules: Patient Administration System (PAS) Triage Dashboards: Prioritisation of referrals by urgency, symptoms, and clinical indicators. Electronic Patient Record (EPR): Offers registration/advanced booking where labs, imaging, vitals, and history collocate in one view. Investigation Ordering and Imaging Integration: You can book and track cardiac diagnostics all in Cellma. Clinical Decision Support (CDS): Auto calculate scores and suggest treatment plans as per guidelines. Multi-disciplinary care planning: Embed MDT meetings and notes for shared visibility. Remote Monitoring & Follow-up: Schedule device checks, track medication adherence, and adhere remote symptoms diaries. BI Reporting Tools: Audit mortality, access admissions, LOS (length of stay), and therapy compliance in real-time. Document management: Securely attach discharge summaries, rehab plans, and consent from Cellma. Cellma turns fragmented cardiac care into a data-driven, protocol-observant patient-centred ecosystem. Essential Elements of Cellma for Cardiology Department Cellma has been designed from
From Sleep Apnoea Symptoms to Better Sleep with Care
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Waking up feeling exhausted after a full night’s rest? Snoring that keeps your partner awake, or worse, wakes you? If you have any of these issues, you may feel like you’re suffering some minor inconveniences, but they could potentially mean something more concerning, such as sleep apnoea. When sleep apnoea is undiagnosed or untreated, it is a common sleep disorder and can affect your daily life and your health in the long run. The sleep apnoea disorder is manageable, and you can manage your journey towards better sleep with Cellmaflex. Cellmaflex helps patients to book appointments online without any phone calls, access their medical history anytime, anywhere, and find nearby doctors, labs, pharmacies, and imaging centres. Everything you need, right from your phone. In this blog, we’ll explore what sleep apnoea is, what causes it, and who’s most at risk. We’ll walk you through key sleep apnoea symptoms, the different types of the condition, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, lifestyle changes that help, and how Cellmaflex supports your care at every step. What Is Sleep Apnoea? Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, known as apnoeas (complete pauses) or hypopneas (partial blockages) can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night, often without you even knowing it. The result? Poor sleep quality, lower oxygen levels, and increased strain on the heart and brain. There are three main types of sleep apnoea: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) – the most common form, caused by a blockage in the airway. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) – where the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles controlling breathing. Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome – a combination of both OSA and CSA. According to NIH, approximately 936 million adults aged 30-69 worldwide are estimated to have some form of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with 425 million experiencing moderate to severe OSA Climate data according to HCP Live indicates that rising night-time heat may lead to 30–45% more sleep apnoea events; this could worsen prevalence and severity in the coming decades Although OSA can affect any individuals ages 3 and up, the prevalence is more common in adults who are overweight, greater than 40 years old, and are suffering from conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, the condition is highly manageable. especially when caught early. And with Cellmaflex, you can start that journey effortlessly; from finding a sleep specialist, to booking a diagnostic test, to being able to access results and care plans through one platform and all from the security of knowing your information is protected. Common Causes and Risk Factors Although sleep apnoea can develop in anyone, certain risk factors can make it much more likely you will develop it, including Excess weight and obesity; one of the established risk factors. Fat deposits around the upper airway can inhibit breathing during sleep, with studies showing that more than 70% of people with sleep apnoea are obese. Other physical characteristics that may contribute include a narrow airway or large tonsils or having a thick neck. Genetics are also relevant as there is a family history of sleep apnoea exists, and the likelihood of you being diagnosed increases. Men are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnoea than women, who on average develop it later in life after menopause. Other identified risks include age; being over 40 years, alcohol/sedatives, smoking, and nasal congestion or persistent sinus illness. If any of these risk factors sound familiar, it’s a good idea to monitor for sleep apnoea symptoms. With Cellmaflex, you can instantly book an appointment with a sleep or ENT specialist. Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea Recognising the symptoms of sleep apnoea is the first step toward getting the right help. The most noticeable sleep apnoea symptoms include Loud, persistent snoring Gasping or choking during sleep Pauses in breathing, often noticed by a partner. Other symptoms can feel more subtle: Excessive daytime sleepiness Morning headaches Difficulty concentrating Irritability, and even depression. Many people assume these symptoms are due to stress or a busy schedule, but they could indicate a chronic sleep disorder. If you or your partner has noticed these patterns, it’s time to take action. Cellmaflex helps you to search for a nearby specialist through the directory and book an appointment online without needing to call the clinic. Types of Sleep Apnoea Knowing which type of sleep apnoea, you have is important to ensure you receive the best treatment. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common type and happens when the muscles in the back of your throat overly relax during sleep and cause the airway to narrow or close. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is uncommon and happens when the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnoea Syndrome involves the combination of OSA and CSA and is generally diagnosed in people who have apnoeic events even when using CPAP therapy. Each type has different causes and treatment approaches. With Cellmaflex, once you receive your sleep study results, they’re automatically available in your patient record, so your healthcare provider can adjust your treatment plan accordingly and keep you informed. How Sleep Apnoea Is Diagnosed If you’re experiencing sleep apnoea symptoms, your journey toward diagnosis usually begins with a clinical evaluation and review of your symptoms. A healthcare provider may ask about your sleep habits, lifestyle, and any family history of apnoea. The next step is often a sleep study, either at a clinic or in the comfort of your home: Polysomnography (PSG) is an overnight test performed in a sleep centre, monitoring your brain activity, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing. At-home Sleep Apnoea tests (HSAT) are catching on due to their ease of use. These portable devices track airflow, breathing effort, and oxygen
Smarter EHR for the General Medicine Department with Cellma
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents In today’s fast-paced healthcare landscape, the General Medicine department is under unprecedented pressure. With rising patient volumes, complex comorbidities, and a growing need for coordinated care across specialties, the demand for a robust and efficient Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is more crucial than ever. In 2023–24, NHS England reported over 41 million outpatient attendances, with over 9.6 million first-time appointments and 2.9 million remote consultations, a large proportion under General Medicine departments. Whether managing frailty in elderly patients or diagnosing unexplained systemic symptoms, General Medicine is the backbone of acute and internal care. Enter Cellma, a fully integrated, NHS-aligned EHR platform designed to meet the clinical and administrative complexities of the General Medicine department. In addition to high patient volumes and acute admissions, General Medicine departments across the UK are managing an increasing burden of chronic diseases. According to data from over 12 million patients in NHS primary care, approximately 21% of adults are living with obesity, while 17% are diagnosed with depression. Hypertension affects around 15–18% of patients, asthma around 15%, and anxiety disorders over 13%. Musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis impact 11–12%, while diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease are present in around 5% of cases each. Coronary heart disease affects another 5%, and COPD is recorded in approximately 2.7% of adult patients. With such a wide range of overlapping conditions, the clinical complexity faced by General Medicine departments is immense and Cellma is built to support every step of that journey. NHS Integration and Clinical Compliance Cellma is designed to align with all NHS integration standards and clinical guidelines, ensuring seamless functionality within public health systems. Cellma supports: NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) for outpatient and urgent care bookings Summary Care Record (SCR) access Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) GP Connect for real-time data exchange with general practice HL7, DICOM, and FHIR standards for lab, imaging, and third-party interoperability NHS England’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) framework Compliance with NHS England’s 14-hour review target for emergency admissions This ensures that Cellma not only improves clinical care delivery but also adheres to national performance targets and interoperability mandates, critical for the General Medicine department. Clinical Conditions Managed in General Medicine and How Cellma Assists Clinical Condition How Cellma Assists the General Medicine Department Heart Failure (HFrEF, HFpEF, HFmrEF) – Integration with BNP, ECG, and echocardiography for diagnosis – Structured documentation for NYHA class and daily fluid balance – ePrescribing modules for ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics – Automated alerts for renal function monitoring – Heart failure nurse referrals and follow-up scheduling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Real-time integration with pulse oximetry and ABG values – Spirometry result logging and GOLD classification templates – Oxygen therapy protocols and long-term home oxygen alerts – Exacerbation tracking and respiratory MDT referrals – Smoking cessation counselling and pulmonary rehab scheduling Ischaemic Heart Disease & Hypertension – ECG integration with immediate access to reports – QRISK2 calculators and statin eligibility prompts – Automated tracking of BP readings and antihypertensive therapies – ePrescribing tools with drug interaction alerts – Cross-specialty referral to cardiology when indicated Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2) – HbA1c trends and insulin titration dashboards – Alerts for annual foot exams and retinopathy referrals – Renal function monitoring (eGFR, ACR) integrated with care plans – Diabetes-specific care pathways including dietician and podiatry referrals – TTOs and discharge planning including diabetes nurse input Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – eGFR tracking with automated staging alerts – Fluid restriction and electrolyte replacement protocols – Medication safety alerts (e.g., nephrotoxic drugs) – Renal dietician and nephrology referral pathways – Coordination with dialysis planning and transplant units Pneumonia & Sepsis – CURB-65 scoring tool embedded in the clerking template – Sepsis 6 bundle checklist with timestamped action logs – Escalation alerts based on NEWS2 and vitals – Documentation of antimicrobial stewardship and response monitoring – Critical care referral and sepsis MDT documentation support Falls, Delirium & Frailty Syndromes – Frailty Index and Rockwood scoring tools – 4AT screening for delirium with behavioural tracking – Falls risk assessments and PT/OT referrals – Integrated MDT forms for rehab and care home planning – Advance care planning (DNAR, TEP) and community liaison Multisystem Syndromes (e.g. Vasculitis, PUO, Lupus) – Complex case tracking with symptom timelines and diagnostic flows – Auto-flagging of abnormal labs (CRP, ANA, ESR, cultures) – Integration of biopsy results and second opinions via document management – MDT discussion logs with input from rheumatology, neurology, ID – Custom templates for ongoing immunosuppressive therapy and monitoring Tackling the Real Challenges of General Medicine with Cellma 1. High Patient Flow Management General Medicine is often the first point of care for emergency admissions. Cellma supports: Streamlined Patient Registration & Triage at the AMU or MAU Structured Clerking Templates for rapid and complete documentation Queue & Bed Management Dashboards for real-time tracking Integration with early warning scores and escalation pathways 2. Time-Pressured Documentation Doctors frequently lose time creating discharge summaries and chasing investigations. Cellma offers: Auto-populated eDischarge Summaries with coded diagnoses, meds, investigations, and follow-up Investigation Tracking Panels that flag pending and urgent results Speech-to-text documentation tools for hands-free entries Built-in clinical calculators (CHA₂DS₂-VASc, CURB-65, Wells Score) 3. Multidisciplinary Coordination Delayed transfers due to social care gaps can block hospital flow. Cellma connects the entire care ecosystem by: Including Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Physios in the MDT interface Enabling shared care plans with Community Services and Virtual Ward Teams Allowing GP handovers with attached documents, TTOs, and alerts With Cellma, the General Medicine department can avoid unnecessary readmissions by ensuring patients are discharged with appropriate community-based support. Comprehensive Modules Supporting General Medicine Cellma delivers an end-to-end ecosystem that supports the entire care continuum: EHR & Clinical Notes: Custom templates for clerking, daily reviews, MDT meetings, and care plans Patient Administration System (PAS): Manages referrals, ward transfers, and discharge scheduling Laboratory Integration: Auto-imports bloods, urine, and microbiology results Imaging Integration: DICOM-compatible for instant access to
Your Guide to COPD Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Managing the Condition
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that makes breathing difficult over time. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which cause lasting damage to the lungs. As one of the leading causes of death globally, COPD affects millions and puts a significant strain on patients and healthcare systems. Early recognition and management are key to better outcomes. Managing a chronic condition like COPD doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or clinician, Cellmaflex supports you at every stage, allowing users to book online appointments without phone calls, access their medical history anytime and anywhere, and find nearby doctors, labs, imaging centres, and pharmacies. A single digital platform designed to make your COPD care easier, helping you stay informed, engaged, and proactive. In this blog, we will get into what COPD is, global impact of COPD, significant COPD risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We will also take a look at prevention and when to ask for help, as well as how Cellmaflex supports all aspects of your COPD care journey. Why Does COPD Demand Our Attention COPD is a progressive and terminal lung disease that is distinguished by a chronic inflammatory response in the lungs and persistent limitation of airflow. It’s not simply a ‘smoker’s cough’. The WHO over 3.3 million deaths globally were attributable to COPD in 2019, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that COPD affects more than 390 million people globally, with prevalence rates continuing to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where underdiagnosis is common. Notably, over 90% of COPD-related deaths occur in these regions, driven by factors such as air pollution, biomass fuel exposure, and limited access to healthcare. In some areas, studies estimate that up to 1 in 5 adults over age 40 may be living with undiagnosed COPD. What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. The major clinical entities that form the definition of COPD are: Chronic bronchitis: long term inflammation of the bronchi with daily cough and sputum production. Emphysema: destruction of the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) that cause air trapping (dead space), impaired gas exchange and reduced elastic recoil of the lung. Pathophysiology: the underlying mechanism of COPD is chronic airway and alveolar inflammation, based on an irritant (predominantly cigarette smoke) exposure. With time, it results in: Goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hyperproduction Loss of cilia and decreased mucociliary clearance Bronchial wall thickening and narrowing Alveolar destruction (emphysema) Pulmonary vascular remodelling The result is airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, distinguishing COPD from asthma. Pulmonary function deteriorates progressively, eventually leading to respiratory failure. Who Is at Risk? Understanding COPD Risk Factors Knowing the COPD risk factors is essential to prevent or delay disease onset. While smoking remains the most significant factor, COPD can and does occur in non-smokers too. Smoking (Primary Risk Factor) Tobacco smoke is responsible for up to 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. Both current and former smokers are at risk. Passive smoke exposure can also contribute, especially in children. Environmental and Occupational Exposures Air pollution, biomass fuel smoke, and second-hand smoke are major concerns in developing countries. Occupational exposure to dusts, vapours, and chemical fumes (e.g. mining, construction, manufacturing) are strong COPD risk factors. Genetic Factors Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare but important inherited risk factor. It leads to early-onset emphysema in non-smokers. Asthma and Early-life Respiratory Illnesses Individuals with a history of asthma, recurrent childhood respiratory infections, or low birth weight have a higher likelihood of developing COPD. Age and Gender COPD is more common in people over 40, but emerging data suggests increasing prevalence in women, likely due to rising smoking rates and heightened sensitivity to pollutants. By identifying these COPD risk factors, patients can take preventive steps early. With Cellmaflex, individuals can book routine check-ups, pulmonary screenings, and genetic tests with respiratory specialists without delay. Signs and Symptoms of COPD The early symptoms of COPD can be subtle and are often dismissed as part of ageing or poor fitness. However, recognising these signs can lead to earlier intervention. Key Symptoms Include: Chronic cough (with or without mucus production) Dyspnoea (shortness of breath), initially on exertion, eventually even at rest Wheezing Chest tightness Frequent lower respiratory tract infections Fatigue and exercise intolerance Weight loss in later stages due to increased work of breathing The progressive nature of symptoms underscores the importance of early management. With Cellmaflex, patients can track their symptoms, access imaging and lab reports, and communicate with clinicians remotely for quicker intervention. Diagnosing COPD: Clinical and Functional Approach Accurate diagnosis is vital not only to initiate therapy but also to rule out mimicking conditions like asthma, bronchiectasis, and heart failure. Diagnostic Approach: Medical History & Physical Examination: Focus on smoking history, occupational exposures, and symptom duration. Spirometry: Gold standard. Post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio <0.70 confirms airflow limitation. Chest Imaging: X-rays or CT scans reveal hyperinflation, flattened diaphragms, or bullae (especially in emphysema). Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): Assesses oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in advanced disease. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Testing: Recommended in younger patients (<45 years) or those with no smoking history. Lab Tests: Rule out anaemia, infections, or assess comorbid conditions like heart failure. Cellmaflex makes the entire diagnostic process more seamless, facilitating referrals, viewing results online, and keeping track of spirometry data over time. Living With COPD: Treatment and Long-Term Management While COPD has no cure, treatment focuses on symptom relief, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. A. Lifestyle Modifications Smoking cessation: The most effective intervention to slow progression. Cellmaflex can help patients locate cessation programs or nearby pharmacies for nicotine replacement therapy. Avoid triggers: Reducing exposure to dust, fumes, and allergens. Nutritional support: Especially important for underweight patients or those with muscle wasting. Exercise: Pulmonary rehab improves dyspnoea and stamina. B. Pharmacological Therapy Bronchodilators: Short-acting and long-acting
NHS 10 Year Plan in Action: The Role of Cellma in Modernising Healthcare
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents In July 2025, the UK Government unveiled the NHS 10-Year Health Plan for England, titled “Fit for the Future”. The NHS Plan is an ambitious 10-year health plan that lays out plans to tackle the long-standing problems in the NHS by re-imagining care delivery and the functioning of the system, in the face of ever-growing challenges such as demand, workforce problems, and health inequalities. The plan articulates three major shifts. The aim of these shifts is to modernise the services delivered to the population across England and transform their long-term sustainability, accessibility, and equity. It is the aim of NHS England to create healthier lives for everyone, irrespective of where they live or the background of the individual. Over the next decade, the NHS will invest in community-based care; enhance usage of digital tools such as the NHS App, alongside certain initiatives that will help to ensure more GPs will be trained to see the population closer to their home; and halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest communities. This long-term plan marks a turning point in public health policy, one focused on people, prevention, and progress. What is the NHS 10-Year Plan? The NHS 10-Year Plan sets a detailed roadmap for reform, with milestones extending to 2035. Launched on 3rd July 2025, the plan outlines targeted improvements in care delivery, digital transformation, workforce development, and patient access. The aim is to move from a system strained by hospital admissions and outdated practices to one that is agile, efficient, and digitally connected. One of its major aims is to make sure that 95% of people with complex needs have an agreed care plan by 2027. This claim is made alongside a renewed focus on personalised care and equitable access to personal health budgets (that will be available uniformly by 2035). Financial sustainability is another key objective. The NHS has a backroom requirement to achieve a 2% productivity gain year-on-year for three-years, while changing funding from hospital-based models to community health, and being new models of payment will reward providers for good quality care and outcomes. With a focus on strengthening primary care, using digital capabilities and investing in its workforce, the NHS will be able to meet both day-to-day pressures as well as long-term requirement –making health care not only more efficient but more human. Three Key Shifts in the NHS 10-Year Plan Central to the NHS 10-Year Plan are three strategic shifts designed to modernise and future-proof the delivery of NHS care: From hospital to community: The plan prioritises treating patients closer to home. Community hubs, home visits, and remote consultations will reduce pressure on hospitals and ensure quicker access to NHS services. From analogue to digital: A major technological overhaul is underway. The integration of digital tools will support everything from online appointment booking via the NHS App to AI-assisted diagnostics and fully integrated electronic care records. From treatment to prevention: By investing in early intervention and population health, the NHS aims to reduce avoidable illness. Public health campaigns, targeted screening, and proactive lifestyle management will form a major part of this shift. These changes reflect a broader understanding that healthcare must move beyond traditional models to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities. With more NHS services being delivered locally and supported by smart technologies, the goal is to create a system that is not only responsive, but also predictive and preventative. This evolution will reshape how patients engage with care, moving from one-off interactions to ongoing, tailored support. How Will the NHS 10-Year Plan Improve Patient Care and Access? The NHS 10-Year Plan places patient experience and access at the heart of its transformation. A key priority is to reduce waiting times and make care more convenient by offering same-day appointments, expanding online advice, and investing in out-of-hospital services. These initiatives aim to ensure patients get timely care without unnecessary visits to A&E or long delays. The NHS App is evolving into a central hub for patient engagement. From booking GP appointments to managing prescriptions and accessing medical history, it empowers individuals to take more control of their health. Combined with virtual consultations, these tools allow patients to receive care when and where they need it. Another major development is the emphasis on local care delivery. By shifting services into communities, the NHS is improving outcomes for those with long-term conditions, reducing hospital readmissions, and ensuring follow-up care is more consistent. Importantly, the plan also focuses on reducing inequalities in access. This includes increased funding for underserved regions, expanded outreach services, and the use of data to identify at-risk populations early. In short, the plan ensures that NHS services are not only more efficient, but more inclusive and accessible for all. Key Technological Innovations Supporting NHS Services Technology is a cornerstone of the NHS 10-Year Plan, with bold ambitions to make the NHS the most digitally advanced health system in the world. From AI to genomics, digital innovation will reshape how care is delivered, improving accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Artificial Intelligence will be embedded across NHS services, helping clinicians make faster, safer decisions. From analysing scans to predicting patient deterioration, AI will play a vital role in early diagnosis and treatment planning. The NHS App is developing into a way to manage appointments, access test results and even get health advice tailored to individual patients in a completely digital experience. Blending digital and in-person services in this way helps patients manage their care from their phones, taking away some of the burden on face-to-face healthcare resources. Further advances in technologies, such as wearables and remote monitoring will help patients track their own health status in real-time, in particular with chronic illnesses, and facilitation of home care for the elderly. Funding for genomic medicine is also being invested by the NHS and with an aim of the everyday use of DNA
