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.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society director on the future of pharmacy
Ravi Sharma’s credentials in pharmacy are formidable. Recently appointed the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS’s) director for England, he was also National Clinical Lead for...
From the President: Mark calendars: big year ahead
As we move into 2023, we put the emergency phase of the pandemic behind us. Three key projects are set to launch to support the new year.
Vale FIP President Dominique Jordan
Tributes have been paid to International Pharmaceutical Federation President Mr Dominique Jordan, who sadly passed away on 19 August.
Hay fever affects sleep, relationships and careers — so why don’t...
Experts are urging allergic rhinitis (hay fever) sufferers to seek the help of pharmacists, following a recent poll showing hay fever to be the...
Offshore refresher: live and learn
PSA’s Offshore Refresher Conference this year took members to Europe. ECP Sinead Stone MPS went along, courtesy of a grant from Bayer.
It was...
Current evidence for medicinal cannabis
Cannabis is the most popular recreational drug used in the world. The use of cannabis or cannabinoids is referred to as medicinal cannabis.
Learning objectives...
