Early morning symposium supported by Haleon
Chair(s)
Mr Sherif Guorgui, President of the FIP Community Pharmacy Section, Canada
Introduction:
A deep dive into the science of how clearer breathing transforms how patients live, think, and sleep — empowering pharmacists with the knowledge and tools to support better every day respiratory wellbeing.
Programme:
| 08:00 – 08:05 | Welcome address by the chair |
| 08:05 – 08:25 | Better breathing, better care |
| Prof. Noam Sobel, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel |
| 08:25 – 08:35 | From congestion to care |
| Dr Arijana Meštrović, Pharma Expert, Croatia |
| 08:35 – 08:45 | Q&A |
Learning objectives:
1. Understand the science of nasal breathing - how nasal airflow regulates key physiological, psychological, and cognitive functions, including autonomic balance, nitric oxide production, sleep quality, attention, and perceived wellbeing.
2. Recognize the full impact of nasal congestion- disruption of breathing patterns, sleep, mood, cognition, performance, and quality of life, and why patients often underestimate these effects.
3. Identify pharmacist intervention opportunities across the breathing-health pathway - how to screen for breathing related symptoms, provide evidence-respectful counselling, and guide patients toward appropriate medicated and non medicated nasal-care solutions.
Take home messages:
- Evidence shows that effective nasal breathing supports key physiological and cognitive processes, with implications for sleep quality, emotional regulation, and overall daily functioning.
- Nasal congestion represents a prevalent and often under-recognised contributor to reduced quality of life, positioning pharmacists as key healthcare professionals in early identification and support.
- Pharmacist-led care involves assessing patient needs and selecting appropriate medicated or non-medicated nasal interventions, alongside education and referral where clinically indicated
