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.
Diary of a pharmacist in lockdown
Accredited pharmacist Kay Morey MPS has been in the thick of the COVID-19 crisis. She shares what life has been like during the past 7 months.
Why pharmacist accreditation is important
With demand for pharmacists in aged care set to rise, and the removal of the re-accreditation fee, there has never been a better time to broaden your scope of practice through accreditation.
How the COVID-19 Home Medicines Service works
Pharmacies will receive a $5 service fee for every eligible home delivery made through the new Home Medicines Service scheme, designed to protect the most vulnerable Australians from exposure to COVID-19.
Chlorpromazine: from antihistamine to antipsychotic
While chlorpromazine’s use on people with schizophrenia has been overtaken by atypical antipsychotics, it is still used widely.
Digital innovation in pharmacy – what your future looks like
The move to electronic prescribing is the ‘biggest process change in medicine supply since computers were introduced in pharmacy in the 1980s’.
Determinants of health and reducing health inequity
Health can be defined in many ways and is influenced by context, culture and an individual's belief systems.
