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.
How to talk about smoking cessation in priority populations
Pharmacists can provide important information and support, recommend suitable over-the-counter products to help patients quit smoking.
Pharmacy intern connects generations during pandemic
Pharmacy intern Tahlia Parisella took an innovative approach to her public health promotion during the pandemic.
Cheaper and more effective acute stroke treatment
Tenecteplase may replace alteplase as the thrombolytic of choice when treating ischemic stroke, according to an Australian study published in The New England Journal...
Genital herpes: a lifelong condition
Genital herpes is a common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is the most frequent cause of genital ulceration worldwide.
What Home Medicines Reviews could look like in the future
Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year Angus Thompson MPS reflects on the importance of HMRs and how he would like to see the service develop.
Behind the poisons hotline
Genevieve Adamo MPS is the Senior Pharmacist –Poisons Information at the NSW Poisons Information Centre and a speaker at PSA22 next month.
