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.
Q&A: Staged supply services & anxiety
As pharmacists, we understand staged supply arrangements to be guided by a desire to support health and wellbeing.
Minor Ailments Schemes: Pharmacy’s next major focus?
The implementation of a Minor Ailments Scheme (MAS) has major support in Australian pharmacy. Here’s why it’s needed – and how it’s going to...
‘Don’t be ambiguous’ on complementary medicines
New research from the University of Queensland will help pharmacists to provide evidence-based advice to consumers purchasing supplements and complementary medicines.
Antimicrobial prescribing in aged care continues to rise
While Australians are taking fewer antibiotics overall, there are concerns that antimicrobial prescribing is steadily increasing in aged care.
How to increase vaccination rates in adolescents
Adolescent vaccination rates remain below optimal levels, often due to the COVID-related interruption to the school vaccination programs, increased vaccine hesitancy and accessibility challenges. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to educate and advocate for immunisation in adolescents.
Pharmacy students do their part for vaccine rollout
Much has been written about the pressure of the pandemic on pharmacists, but how has COVID-19 affected the profession’s future leaders? Pharmacy student Lina Okati from the University of Sydney spoke with four of her peers.
