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.
Wrong number?
References
digitalhealth.gov.au. Electronic prescribing: for dispensers. 2025. At: www.digitalhealth.gov.au/healthcare-providers/initiatives-and-programs/electronic-prescribing/for-dispensers
Pharmaceutical Defence Limited. Electronic prescriptions: National Practice Alerts. 22 December 2023. At: https://pdl.org.au/electronic-prescriptions-2/
Pharmaceutical...
Spacers are for everyone, not just for kids
References
Lung Foundation Australia. Spacer and puffer inhaler device technique fact sheet. 2025. At: https://lungfoundation.com.au/support-resources/resource-hub/spacer-and-puffer-inhaler-device-technique-fact-sheet/
National Asthma Council Australia. Spacer use and care fact...
Semaglutide for tobacco use disorder (nicotine dependence)
References
World Health Organisation. Tobacco Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organisation. 2025. At: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
Addiction Expert Group. Overview of tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence. 2023....
Finding the missing millions with CKD
References
Kidney Health Australia. Symptoms of kidney disease. At: https://kidney.org.au/your-kidneys/what-is-kidney-disease/symptoms-of-kidney-disease
National Kidney Foundation. Pharmacists and chronic kidney disease. At: https://www.kidney.org/professionals/ckdintercept/pharmacists-and-chronic-kidney-disease
Kidney Health Australia. Kidney...
Going bananas over potassium
Rossi S, ed. Australian medicines handbook. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook; 2025
eTG complete. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines; 2025
Sansom LN, ed. Australian pharmaceutical formulary...
