Cough Flashcards

1
Q

Duration of cough

A

Acute - < 2 weeks
Prolonged (in children) - 2-4 weeks
Chronic (in children) - persisting for > 4 weeks
Chronic (in adults) - persisting for > 8 weeks

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2
Q

Medications that can cause a cough

A

Beta blocker
Amiodarone
Methotrexate
Leflunomide
Nitrofurantoin
Ribavirin
Respiratory irritants

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3
Q

Cause: Common cold

A

Mild dry cough with little sputum.
Other symptoms: sore throat, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, fever

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4
Q

Cause: Acute bronchitis

A

Persistent: may be dry or productive (may take 2-3 weeks to subside)
Other symptoms:
Fever may be present
Can proceed with common cold.

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5
Q

Influenza

A

Initially dry, then persistent, raspy and productive (can last for days to week)
Other symptoms:
Fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Sore throat
Rhinorrhoea

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6
Q

Chronic: chronic bronchitis

A

Persistent and productive
Worsening dyspnoea

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7
Q

When to refer

A

Unexplained cough persisting for >2 weeks
Haemoptysis
Dyspnoea
Systemic symptoms - weight loss fever
Wheeze
Chest pain

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8
Q

Antiussives

A

Pholcodine, dextromethorphan, dihydrocodeine.
Dry cough, short term relief
Avoid for asthma and COPD
Safe for pregnancy
Breastfeeding will need to monitor

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9
Q

Bivsolon dry/ Robitussin dry cough forte

A

Antitussive (dextromethorphan)
Adult oral 30mg (10ml) every 6-8 hours.
6-12 child - 5ml
Max 120mg daily
Drowsiness, constipation, nausea and vomiting

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10
Q

Rikodeine

A

Opioid cough antiussives (dihydrocodeine)
Adult oral 5-10mL every 4-6 hours
Safe for pregnant
Breastfeeding - monitor baby

No recommended for kids under 12.
Those 12-18 do not use if respiratory function is compromised
Not for productive cough

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11
Q

Expectorants

A

Increase volume and reduce viscosity of sputum, facilitating removal by ciliary transport and coughing.
Guaifenesin - safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Senega and ammonia mixture - not safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side effects: nausea and vomiting

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12
Q

Mucolytics

A

Reduce mucus viscosity and facilitate expulsion of thick mucus secretions.
Bromhexine
Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding
Do not use in chronic bronchitis and COPD

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13
Q

Bisolvon Chesty

A

Bromhexine
Adult oral 1 tablet, three times daily
Children older than 6, 8mg three times daily

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14
Q

Demulcents

A

Forms a film over mucous membrane relieving irritation that causes coughing
Honey
Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding

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15
Q

Non-pharmacological

A

Inhale steam
Drink warm drinks and plenty of water
Avoid exposure to cold, dry air and respiratory irritants
Minimise use of voice
Avoid throat clearing.

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16
Q

Who can take cough medication

A

Younger than 6 should no use cough medication.
Those aged 6-11 can be given cough medication by pharmacists, doctor, nurse practitioner

17
Q

Questions to ask

A

Age?
Is the cough mucus like?
Pregnant or breastfeeding?