Cough and Congestion Flashcards
How do menthol and eucalyptus help to sooth the symptoms of cough and congestion?
These substances, when inhaled, encourage the deliberate inspiration of warm, moist air, which is comforting in bronchitis. They also help to relieve nasal obstruction in acute rhinitis or sinusitis.
Aromatic decongestants are not recommended for use in patients under which age?
3 months.
What treatments are preferred for patients with nasal congestion, under 3 months of age?
Sodium chloride 0.9% drops or suction aspiration.
Cough may be a symptom of which underlying conditions? These should be addressed before treating with cough suppressants.
GORD, asthma, rhinitis, other drug use (ACEi), smoking, environmental pollution.
Give some examples of cough suppressants.
Codeine, dextromorphan, pholcodine.
What are the side effects of codeine?
Constipation, dependence.
Why are dextromorphan and pholcodine preferred to codeine when used as cough suppressants?
Fewer side effects and less chance of dependence.
What is a demulcent?
A substance containing a soothing substance such as syrup or glycerol, believed to relieve a dry, irritating cough.
Give some examples of demulcents, used to sooth a dry, irritating cough.
Syrup, glycerol, simple linctus.
What are some benefits of using simple linctus to sooth a dry, irritating cough?
It is cheap and harmless.
What are expectorants?
Compounds believed to promote the expulsion of bronchial secretions.
Give some examples of expectorants.
Guaifenesin, ipecacuanha.
What is the downside to using expectorants?
There is limited evidence to back up their efficacy.
Children under 6 years should not be given OTC cough preparations containing which substances?
Antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants, decongestants.
OTC cough and cold medicine can be considered for children between 6-12 years, how long should treatment last?
5 days or less.
