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.
Reducing stroke risk in dementia patients
A commonly-used treatment for Alzheimer's disease could reduce the risk of stroke among people with dementia.
The Australian-Swedish study, co-authored by Monash University researchers, focussed...
My Health Record – where to from here?
While the My Health Record (MHR) opt-out date of January 31 has come and gone, people still have the option to permanently delete their...
Clinical governance: shared responsibility, a common goal
New principles will help guide design and delivery of high-quality pharmacy services.
We have a high-quality health system in Australia, and a first-class pharmacy...
Choosing Wisely: new medicines advice service arrives
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released a list of recommendations for healthcare professionals to ensure the safe use of medicines.
The launch of...
Management of migraines in community pharmacy
Pharmacists play a vital role in supporting patients with migraines.
People with headaches are one of the most common presentations to community pharmacies and pharmacists...
The role of pharmacists in managing gastrointestinal disorders in infants
An estimated 50% of infants suffer from colic, constipation, reflux, or a combination of these disorders.1 These functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are one of...
