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.
Balancing the scale: the role of oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common recurrent arrhythmia worldwide, and can put patients at increased risk of stroke.
What pharmacists need to know about nicotine vaping products
Strict legal requirements to dispense nicotine vaping products for smoking cessation are now in use. Here’s what you need to know.
Meet PSA’s new Vaccination Ambassador
After a nationwide search, Melbourne-based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos MPS has been appointed PSA’s Vaccination Ambassador.
Queensland pharmacist of the year shows leadership in crisis
Bridget Totterman MPS is a master behind the scenes, helping pharmacists deliver a seamless service to patients and improving access to medicines in challenging times.
Australia’s rising obesity burden: can pharmacists help?
This is another epidemic that must be addressed – through active living and nutrition policies.
The nationwide disruption affecting critical health systems
Optus is still trying to resolve a nationwide outage that’s left millions of Australians without mobile phone and internet services.
