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 role of pharmacists in transgender therapy
As awareness of transgender people grows, so does the need for healthcare professionals to be educated in the area of transgender health. A recent...
What changes can pharmacists expect from the revised NMP?
The Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler released an updated National Medicines Policy just in time for Christmas.
Expect an increase in demand for long-acting injectable buprenorphine
Changes to the Opioid Dependence Treatment program could make long-acting injectable buprenorphine the best option for many people.
Victoria’s top pharmacists honoured
The PSA congratulates the Victorian pharmacists who are making impressive contributions to the profession and the health of their communities.
On the ground with poisons information specialists
How pharmacists are trained to deal with life-threatening calls – from medicine misadventure to ingestion of pesticides.
Pharmacy and rural hospital integration
A small rural hospital in southern Queensland has introduced a new model of pharmacy practice. Hopefully, it will lead to reduced medicine-related hospital admissions....
