Asthma is increasingly recognised as a heterogeneous disease, with several phenotypes defined by clinical and inflammatory characteristics. Common phenotypes include allergic (eosinophilic, IgE-mediated), non-allergic (often neutrophilic or paucigranulocytic), late-onset adult asthma, obesity-associated asthma, and asthma with persistent airflow limitation.14 Identifying phenotypes supports individualised treatment strategies, particularly in those with severe asthma, and better long-term outcomes.
Steps 2 and 3: Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART)
Comorbid conditions can complicate asthma management. Assess for and help address factors such as allergic rhinitis, which affects up to 80% of people with asthma,24 as well as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), anxiety, depression, obstructive sleep apnoea and smoking.
The updated Australian Asthma Handbook now recommends that no adult or adolescent with asthma be treated with a SABA alone, as it does not treat the underlying inflammation.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are two of the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally.
Syphilis is a treatable and curable sexually transmitted infection, and is primarily treated with penicillin.
Dizziness or vertigo can be burdensome to the extent that it significantly impacts quality of life, and in older people, this symptom alone may increase the risk of falls.
The field of sleep research and drug discovery is rapidly expanding, with a range of medicines working on various elements of the sleep-wake circuitry in the brain now available.
Medicine safety in children requires vigilance, clear communication and proactive intervention by pharmacists to prevent accidental poisonings.
Insomnia is a common issue among residents in aged care facilities, often leading to significant health consequences, including cognitive impairment, increased cardiometabolic risk and reduced quality of life.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common recurrent arrhythmia worldwide, and can put patients at increased risk of stroke.
The introduction of a drospirenone-only oral pill is an advancement in progestogen-only contraception options.
Effectively managing acute pain is a crucial aspect of patient care. This article explores current Pharmacist Only options for pain management following the recent market entry of Pharmacist Only celecoxib.
