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.
COVID-19 death toll passes 2000
The federal government will provide $2 million to help develop a vaccine for COVID-19, as the death toll from the novel coronavirus continues to climb.
General practice opportunities for pharmacists
Pharmacists considering work in the general practice space now have two enablers – the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) eligibility, which came into effect on...
What we know about giving Aussie kids a healthy head start
Unpredictable eating habits in kids is a problem facing many Australian parents, every day.
Medication adherence through community pharmacy intervention
Community pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to improve adherence and health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases but a number of barriers remain.
Researchers from...
How pharmacists can keep up with the nation’s health needs
The healthcare needs of Australians are shifting – which means pharmacists’ training has to adapt to keep pace. The good news? It’s happening.
The...
Pharmacists vital leaders in Australian community during COVID-19 crisis
After a summer of bushfires, the outbreak of a novel coronavirus in China (later named COVID-19) was reported in January.
