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.
Pharmacy students step up during coronavirus pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia, pharmacies were even busier than supermarkets.
New advice for asthma patients about COVID-19 vaccines
The Australian Asthma Handbook has been updated to help healthcare professionals provide advice to patients around the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Don’t let a cold chain breach take you by surprise
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Face mask advisory as coronavirus case rate climbs
Pharmacists have been urged to limit the sales of face masks, with reports of consumers bulk-buying P2 masks from pharmacies, intending to ship them...
Diethylstilbestrol: a public health disaster
A multi-use artificial hormone, Diethylstilbestrol was controversial from its discovery, with the inventor of the drug warning of possible side effects. Its impact on...
