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.
Improving patient health literacy
The evidence is in: positive health outcomes can hinge on patients’ ability to understand health information – and on pharmacists’ ability to impart it.
Health...
Electrolytes part 1: potassium and magnesium
Electrolytes play an important role in the function of body tissues including skeletal and cardiac muscle.
What’s happening in scope of practice around Australia?
There has been a lot of scope of practice changes and announcements. Here's a look at what's happening in your state/territory.
Bill Horsfall is one of Australia’s oldest working pharmacists
Bill Horsfall PhC FPS at 84 is one of Australia’s oldest working pharmacists. Over the past 60 years, he’s been involved in hospital and...
GLP-1 RAs found to pose pregnancy risks
Women of reproductive age using GLP-1 RAs could be at risk of unintended pregnancy, and unaware of the risks to pregnancy and unborn babies.
Expanded pharmacy services the remedy for ear health crisis
Ear damage is rife in rural and remote communities. Providing pharmacists with training and diagnostic tools can have a dramatic impact.
