Cold & Coughs

Question 1

What are colds?

Answer 1

Colds are caused by viral infections.

Most people recover within a week.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of colds?

Answer 2

Runny/stuffy nose
Sneezing 
Sore throat
Cough 
Sinus congestion 
Muscular aches 
Tiredness
Headaches

Question 3

Treatment options for colds?

Answer 3

Painkillers
Cold/flu remedies e.g. Day and night nurse, Sudafed, lemsip
Nasal decongestants e.g. otrivine (xylometazoline), Vicks sinex nasal spray
Vapour rub e.g. olbas oil, Vicks vapour
Antihistamines - dry up secretions

Question 4

Lemsip ingredients?

Answer 4

Paracetamol
Phenylephrine (decongestant)

• Should not be used in children under 12
• Do not take any other paracetamol containing products

Question 5

Self-care tips for colds?

Answer 5

Wash hands regularly 
Rest 
Stay warm
Plenty of fluids 
Inhale steam to help loosen up phlegm

Question 6

Treatment options for a productive cough?

Answer 6

Cough medications with guaifenesin. (age 12 and over)

Covonia chesty cough mixture
Bronchostop (for patrons on bp medication)
Robutussin cough mixture (for diabetics)

Question 7

Treatment options for a dry cough? (age 12 and over)

Answer 7

Products containing pholcodine, codeine and dextromethorphan.

*Products containing codeine should be cautioned in patients under 18

Robutussin dry cough
Benylin dry cough
Bronchostop cough syrup

Question 8

Use of diphenhydramine in cough syrups? e.g. benylin dry cough

Answer 8

It is a sedating antihistamine.

It can be used to suppress a cough and has a sedating effect to help sleep through the night.

Question 9

Soothing ingredients for patients that can’t use a cough suppressant?

Answer 9

Glycerin
Honey and lemon
(These products contain a high sugar content, so its cautioned in patients with diabetes).

Question 10

Products for children under 12 with a cough?

Answer 10

other than simple products that contain glycerol, honey or lemon, cough and cold remedies should not be given to children under 6 years.

e.g. bronchostop junior & Tixylix (glycerol) & benylin infant cough (glycerol)

Question 11

When to refer coughs?

Answer 11

Coughing up mucus that is not clear or white
Coughing up blood
Has chest pain, SOB or wheezing
Had a cough for 3 weeks
Is a smoker and is worried about their cough
Suspected infection
Has a high fever