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.
Push for pharmacist prescribing trial in NSW
The Pharmacy Board of Australia announced new work on pharmacist prescribing as NSW moves to initiate a UTI pharmacy prescribing pilot.
The operational pharmacist
Daniel Gilbertson is a pharmacist with a mind for business. Now the head of healthcare operating models at Medibank, he previously worked as a...
Facing the future of pharmacy
Pharmacists in Australia are now predominantly young and female, with 5–10 years’ experience and moving into leadership roles at a rate not previously seen in the profession.
Moderna bolsters Australia’s vaccination campaign
Young and vaccine-hesitant patients are seeking out Modern's Spikevax in states with the lowest vaccination rates – Western Australia and Queensland
Victoria’s SafeScript means changes for pharmacists
Community pharmacists in Victoria have less than three months to ensure they have an active connection with a Prescription Exchange Service (PES), so they...
Government prepares with COVID-19 pandemic plan
A new emergency response plan outlines Australia’s approach to containing COVID-19, as clusters of the novel coronavirus continue to emerge around the world.
