In this episode, we focus on the burden of over-reliance on steroids used in the treatment of asthma with Dr Hitasha Rupani, who reflects on her experiences as a Respiratory Consultant based at Southampton Hospitals NHS Trust.
Dr Hitasha Rupani would like her take-home messages to be:
- We can do better at the earlier recognition of poorly controlled asthma. This means identifying patients early on in their patient journey, optimising their treatment and referring them to severe asthma centres if required.
- Realise the importance of empowering patients and providing them with the tools to self-manage their asthma better, by giving them educational information about their condition in a way they want to receive it.
- Be mindful of the negative impact that over-reliance of oral corticosteroids can have on the patient. They have a place in the acute setting but should not be used long term.
Useful links
References
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