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.
Days to go until the CPD year ends
The finishing line of the 2021–2022 CPD year is fast approaching. Make sure you earn enough CPD credits in time.
Pharmacists should wear face masks in hotspots
Victorian residents living in areas with Stage 3 restrictions have been advised to wear face masks when leaving their homes, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state.
New safety alert for co-prescribing opioids and gabapentinoids
Gabapentinoids and opioids are commonly co-prescribed, whether to treat acute pain post-surgery or to address chronic pain. Here’s how to mitigate risk when these medicines are combined.
Red tape stops pharmacists from helping patients affected by floods
Pharmacists have been stranded without access to more than 730 PBS medicines struck off the Continued Dispensing initiative measure.
QUT student takes out 2021 Pharmacy Student of the Year
Queensland University of Technology student Zoe Robinson has been crowned the 2021 Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY), following a strong competition at PSA21 Virtual yesterday.
Carving one’s own path as a consultant pharmacist
Geraldine Moses FPS wears many hats. She’s a hospital-based drug information consultant and clinical pharmacist, and provider of the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) national...
