As-needed low-dose budesonide–formoterol — an anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR). The Handbook now says no adult or adolescent should use a SABA reliever on its own: even infrequent symptoms carry a risk of severe flare-ups.

Refer for pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly during the recovery phase. Discharge planning should also include comprehensive follow-up.

Keep the child with their carer, reduce distress and allow their preferred position. Avoid unnecessary examination or investigations that could worsen obstruction.

Needing the reliever at least 3 times weekly suggests adding maintenance low-dose ICS-formoterol and switching to maintenance-and-reliever therapy (MART).

Use a spacer. Add a face mask if the child cannot make a tight seal around the spacer mouthpiece.

Review adherence and inhaler technique, alongside current symptom control and risk factors. Poor medicine delivery can undermine an otherwise appropriate regimen.

The patient, and their carer where relevant, should develop it together with their doctor. A written action plan is a core part of asthma management.

Non-invasive ventilation improves survival. Recognising acute hypercapnic respiratory failure is therefore an important escalation point during a COPD exacerbation.

No. Prioritise established cessation treatments with behavioural support. Therapeutic vaping requires an individual risk–benefit discussion rather than being treated as a harmless substitute.

Consider specialist assessment for difficult-to-treat or severe asthma. Reassess adherence and technique rather than assuming every persistent symptom needs a higher dose.

Behavioural support. Choose pharmacotherapy according to efficacy, contraindications, clinical suitability and patient preference, and offer follow-up.

Blood can obstruct the airway, impair oxygenation and cause major blood loss. Treat it as an emergency rather than focusing only on the volume estimate.

From 1 July 2024, Australia banned manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered-stone benchtops, panels and slabs. The change followed increasing silicosis cases, especially in this workforce.

No. Bronchiolitis is diagnosed clinically. X-ray changes can resemble pneumonia and lead to unnecessary antibiotics.

The fluid can be tested to help identify the cause. Treatment should address the underlying condition, not just the fluid collection.

1 July 2025. The program targets eligible asymptomatic people with a substantial cigarette-smoking history.

Chest physiotherapy and airway-clearance techniques help remove mucus. Treatment may also include antibiotics, lifestyle measures and routine vaccinations.

Clinical appearance may not reliably reveal hypoxaemia. Use pulse oximetry while preparing salbutamol and oxygen if required; assessment should not delay treatment.