Coughs Flashcards

1
Q

Define coughs

A
  • a protective reflex action caused when airway is irritated or obstructed - hence purpose to clear airway to allow normal breathing
  • majority are viral upper respiratory tract infections
  • often associated with colds
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2
Q

Treatment timescale of coughs

A

with treatment should resolve within 10-14 days

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3
Q

Types of cough with symptoms

A
  • Unproductive=dry, tickly, tight. No sputum, usually viral and self-limiting
  • productive=chesty or loose. Sputum over secretion due to infection, allergy etc
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4
Q

referral criteria for coughs

A
  • long duration of 2-3 weeks (TB, HF, chronic bronchitis)
  • difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
  • coloured sputum (yellow/green/rusty/blood stained) sign of bacterial infection
  • persistent nocturnal cough in children (asthma)
  • whooping cough or croup
  • wheezing
  • suspected ADR
  • failed medication
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5
Q

lifestyle advice regarding coughs

A
  • maintain fluid intake
  • catch it, bin it, kill it (wash hands)
  • stop smoking
  • drink plenty of fluids and rest
  • for aches and pains and fever that causes distress use paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • warm drink of lemon and honey
  • take simple cough syrup that contains glycerol, honey or lemon
  • young babies: saline nasal drops or sprays help thin and clear nasal secretions. Also nasal aspirators which ‘suck out’ mucus
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6
Q

define expectorant and give examples

A

promote sputum
used for chesty coughs
guaifenesin and ipecucanhua

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7
Q

Examples of cough suppressants

A

coedine
pholcodiene
dextromethorphan

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8
Q

Examples of demulcents

A
simple linctus 
glycerine 
lemon
honey 
(soothing effect)
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9
Q

Simple linctus paediatric
Symptoms
Warnings/counselling

A

for dry coughs
Refer if still have dry cough after 5 days
DO NOT take if have: fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency
High amounts of sucrose

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10
Q

Veno’s expectorant APIs

populations

A
Guaifenesin
Ipecacuanha
Squill 
Only use in >12yrs 
Fine for pregnant and breastfeeding women
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11
Q

Robitussin dry cough

symptoms and APIs

A
Pholcodine
codeine
dextromethorphan
Non-productive cough 
Blocks natural coughing reflex (cough suppressant)
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12
Q

Robitussin dry cough

side effects & warnings

A

GI problems, dizziness
Do NOT take if taking:
antidepressants including alcohol, antipsychotics barbiturates, hypnotics, narcotic analgesics, sedatives, tranquillisers

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13
Q

Robitussin dry cough populations

A

> 12yrs only

fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding

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14
Q

Benylin dry cough
APIs
Symptoms

A

Sedating antihistamine - diphenhydramine

suppresses cough and aids sleep at night

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15
Q

Benylin dry cough warnings

A

Not to be used for persistent or chronic cough (e.g. in asthma)
Not to be used where cough is accompanied by excessive secretions
>12 yrs only
Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding

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16
Q

Veno’s honey and lemon
ingredients
symptoms

A

Glycerin, honey, lemon
used if cannot use cough suppressant for dry cough
Soothes by coating back of throat

17
Q

Veno’s honey and lemon warnings/populations

A
>12 years only 
Do not exceed 8 doses in 24 hours 
High sugar content 
Do not use in diabetes 
Fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding