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
Women suffering from endometriosis often experience diagnostic delay. This FastTrack fact sheet provides a concise summary of the diagnosis and management of endometriosis, including the role of hormone therapy and indications for referral. 30min RP and 30min EA CPD available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
From 1 Nov 2025, the Australian government is making important changes with the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP). This FastTrack is a concise summary of how to make the most of the BBPIP, from registration, eligibility considerations, and a step-by-step approach to preparing your practice for the changes.
Medcast Medical Education Team
Two of the four core palliative care medicines are clonazepam and haloperidol, used respectively to manage anxiety and emesis in end-of-life patients. This FastTrack highlights the role of the GP in treating these two common symptoms, focusing on pharmacological strategies. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.