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.
What do pharmacists around Australia most want to know?
Every week, PSA’s Pharmacist-to-Pharmacist Advice Line phones ring hot on a range of different topics impacting the profession.
New COVID-19 vaccines on the way for Australia
Australians will have access to a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as March 2021, the federal Minister for Health announced today.
Eye protection important for regular mask users
A new Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing last week for dry eye product Cationorm ties into a quirky review of a new area of literature from United States researchers.
The management of acute wounds commonly seen in community pharmacy
Pharmacists can confidently implement wound management principles to identify, assess, manage and know when to refer for specific wounds.
The growing importance of point-of-care testing
Point-of-care testing is expanding as community pharmacies deepen their engagement with consumers.
With more than 5,700 locations dotted across Australia, ranging from the busiest metropolitan...
What pharmacists need to know before administering the Pfizer vaccine
As pharmacists wait to receive their Pfizer vaccine stock, those who have been administering the vaccine throughout the year share what works best for them.
