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.
Q&A: Shadow Federal Health Minister Catherine King
As a supporter of pharmacists, Catherine King MP is a firm believer in having a ‘broader’ role for pharmacists in Australia’s health system.
During her...
King of poisons or ‘magic bullet’?
A potent poison purportedly behind the death of a king, arsenic has also served numerous, less-sinister, medicinal purposes.
In fact, the terms ‘magic bullet’ and...
Diclofenac associated with cardiovascular health risk
A 20-year population-based study has found the use of diclofenac for pain relief is linked to an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events...
Hotline data reveals Australians’ pharmacy questions
What are the health questions Australian most want answers to? Data from Medicines Line, the NPS MedicineWise pharmacist-staffed information hotline, has revealed common medical...
A new national approach to pain management
The new National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management offers plenty of opportunities for pharmacists to work to their full scope of practice.
The Action...
Depression and complementary medicines
Around one in 16 Australians will suffer from depression at some time during their life.1,2 What evidence is there that complementary medicines such as S-Adenosyl-L-methionine...
