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
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes half of all blindness and severe vision loss among older Australians. Though there is currently no definitive cure, early identification and intervention can help to slow disease progression and preserve sight. This FastTrack highlights the role of GPs in recognising AMD, providing primary care interventions, and when to refer.
Medcast Medical Education Team
The management of chronic hepatitis C infection can be challenging. This FastTrack discusses when and how to screen, indications for urgent specialist referral, and the use of direct-acting antiviral medications. 30mins RP and 30mins EA CPD are available with the quiz.
Medcast Medical Education Team
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease affects up to 30% of adults worldwide. Find out more about this progressive liver condition with this FastTrack fact sheet, which covers diagnosis to management, including lifestyle and pharmacological interventions for primary practice. 30mins each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
