Asthma - clinical fact sheet and MCQ
Overview
Asthma is a long-term, inflammatory condition of the airways, with episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. It results from airway hyperresponsiveness and persistent inflammation, triggered by allergens, environmental irritants, respiratory infections, and or physical exertion.
In Australia, asthma is common and affects about one in nine people. In 2021–22, there were over 56,000 emergency department visits and 25,500 hospital admissions for asthma. Older women, particularly those over 75 years, are at the highest risk of severe complications, including death.
The aims of asthma management are to achieve effective symptom control, minimise the likelihood of exacerbations, and prevent chronic complications.
Optimal asthma care involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies.
Diagnosis of asthma in adults
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas eu odio in nibh placerat tempor ac vel mauris. Nunc efficitur sapien at nisl semper dapibus. Nullam tempor eros sed dui aliquam lacinia. Nunc feugiat facilisis ex.
Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas mauris nibh, tempus sit amet erat vel, pellentesque maximus ipsum. Suspendisse dui nunc, porta ac ultricies id, sodales eu ante.
The Medcast medical education team is a group of highly experienced, practicing GPs, health professionals and medical writers.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreMedcast Medical Education Team
Pain, dyspnoea, and noisy respiratory secretions (also known as the ‘death rattle’) are common symptoms in patients in terminal care. This FastTrack covers the assessment and management of such terminal symptoms in primary care, including pharmacological and non-drug solutions. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
Measles is no longer considered endemic in Australia but we continue to see new cases brought in by travellers from overseas. This FastTrack fact sheet is a concise summary of measles in general practice, from diagnosis to management, including immunisation and post-exposure prophylaxis. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
The incidence of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is increasing among Australians. This fact sheet covers the risk factors and associations, diagnosis, and management strategies for EoE, equipping GPs to monitor symptoms and support treatment adherence. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.