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.
What it takes to be the global first in pharmacy and...
This year, Monash University was ranked global number one in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Best of the west: meet PSA’s newest award winners
Four pharmacists were crowned the best of the west at PSA’s West Australian Annual Therapeutic Update (ATU) last weekend.
Antibiotic prescribing is reaching dangerous levels, warns report
Antibiotic use has crept back up since COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, with multi-resistant bugs increasingly in our midst.
Helping to heal
With the right knowledge, pharmacists can help heal patients’ acute wounds and injuries — and grow a gaping area of practice.
Opportunity knocks
With ever-widening scope, pharmacists now have lots of opportunities to try different career directions and enjoy a purposeful professional life.
SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure
Heart failure remains a significant health burden, but modern medicines, particularly SGLT2is, can offer significant benefits. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in optimising therapy, ensuring adherence, and providing education to patients.
