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.
Women are facing access barriers to first line EC in pharmacies
New research revealed that almost one third of pharmacies don’t stock the first-line oral emergency contraceptive.
New tool to counteract significant overestimate of CVD risk
Did you know a new Australian Cardiovascular risk calculator (AusCVDRisk) was released last year?If not, you’re not alone.
Podcast: OTC management of acute low back pain
Over-the-counter medicines are frequently used to manage childhood ailments. How can pharmacists help ensure they are administered correctly?
How to talk patients’ language
Australia prides itself on its multicultural chemistry, but it presents everyday challenges. Community pharmacy services can play their part by catering specifically for people...
Q&A: Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy
Since taking up the Chief Medical Officer post in 2016, Professor Brendan Murphy has made a number of strategic interventions in the pharmacy sphere,...
How pharmacists are managing nation-wide medicine shortages
A survey conducted over April–May 2021 found that medicine shortages are having a dire impact on patients and pharmacists.
