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.
A novel therapy under investigation could see pharmacists playing a greater role in helping patients to manage some common eye conditions.
A new medicines listing guarantee and supply chain reforms are two measures welcomed by pharmacists in the 2020–21 Federal Budget.
Antimicrobial medicines use declined in Australia from 2013 to 2018, but the country’s rate remains high by OECD standards, according to new research.
A pandemic may have prevented traditional face-to-face events, but it didn’t stop pharmacists from across the country celebrating the 11th annual World Pharmacists Day last week.
Medicine-related COVID-19 measures, including Continued Dispensing arrangements and the Home Medicines Service, will continue for at least another 6 months.
The federal Government will invest $25 million in research to improve the safe use of medicines and medicines intervention by pharmacists.
PSA has developed a CPD planning tool available free to members, that intuitively helps pharmacists through each of the required steps.
The past 2 months have laid bare fundamental problems in Australia’s residential aged care facilities as COVID-19 ripped through more than 100 Melbourne nursing homes, writes PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman.
While Australians have been horrified by media...
In the lead up to World Pharmacists Day on Friday, pharmacists around the country have expressed pride, passion and excitement for their work, the importance of which has been highlighted during a difficult year.
Promoting antimicrobial stewardship, patient safety and digital health are just three of the new global goals for pharmacy launched by FIP on Monday.
