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.
E-prescriptions, triptans and COVID-19 vaccines: your questions answered
In this monthly series, Australian Pharmacist speaks to the experts to answer some of your most frequently asked questions.
Advances in telehealth
Telehealth for pharmacists has been around for some time, but will its expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic era make it normal practice?
How to step up health advice as travel booms
As we approach the holiday season, now is the time to help patients factor health into their travel plans.
Early elixir: brompheniramine, a first-generation antihistamine
For over 70 years brompheniramine has been used to stifle sneezes … but not for everyone.
TGA approves Pfizer booster for teens
Pfizer’s Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use as a booster in those aged 16–17 years.
New Cochrane review highlights lack of evidence on medicine-taking ability and...
Interventions initiated at the hospital-community interface may be the best way to influence multiple medicine adherence in older adults, a new Cochrane review has found.
