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.
Electronic prescriptions roll out across Sydney
Pharmacists are gearing up for a boom in electronic prescriptions as metropolitan Sydney gets ready to follow Victoria into a new digital age.
Why are so many teens prescribed high-dose antidepressants?
Youth mental health needs are rising, but so too are questionable prescribing patterns of antidepressants.
Telehealth medication reviews introduced
Pharmacists can now conduct funded medication reviews via video or teleconference, in a move that will bolster medicine safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Pharmacists on dealing with medicine shortages
With medicine shortages continuing to be an issue for the foreseeable future, pharmacists share how they are managing patients’ conditions and expectations.
Common questions on AstraZeneca vaccination
This month, we’ll again focus on COVID-19 vaccination questions answered by Amanda Fairjones, Professional Support Advisor.
Meet Sean Richardson, the regional locum pharmacist
Two slipped discs on a construction site led to Sean Richardson’s unusual career segue into the pharmacy profession.
Was pharmacy always your first choice as...
