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.
Changes to antipsychotic dispensing trends
A new report revealed that there has been a significant reduction in antipsychotic dispensing in the past 5 years.
COVID-19: Medicine supply changes and increased social distancing
Elective surgeries will be cancelled, Australians are banned from travelling overseas and more non-essential businesses will close their doors as cases of COVID-19 in Australia surge past 2,000.
Roles for pharmacists in disasters
More than 40 roles for pharmacists in disasters have been identified in a new study, which also recommends that pharmacy bodies provide specialist training...
Report confirms pharmacists’ low remuneration
Fewer than half of all community pharmacists received a pay rise last year, new research has revealed.
The Community Pharmacists Employment and Remuneration Report 2018,...
Paracetamol’s efficacy called into question
The most common painkiller is not as effective as originally thought, according to the largest review of paracetamol to date.
Making a point: Pharmacist immunisation in 2018
Australia’s first pharmacist-administered vaccine trial began in 2014. Since then, pharmacist immunisation programs have begun in every state, and are now essential to public...
