cough and shortness of breath Flashcards

1
Q

what are the signs of the symptom shortness of breath? 2

A
  • increased RR

- decreased SaO2

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2
Q

what are the signs of the symptom of tight chest? 2

A
  • decreased PEFR

- wheeze

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3
Q

what is a cough? 3

A
  • tussive reflex (stimulation of sensory nerves) irritation/ medulla/ inspiration/ closed glottis/ contraction/ expulsion
  • Protective: aspiration, clearance
  • Can be problematic oedema, rib fractures, affects sleep, affects partner, affects throat, stress incontinence, cough syncope
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4
Q

what are the causes of cough? 2

A
  • Acute irritation, infection

- Chronic medications, asthma, rhinitis, oesophageal reflux, cancer

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5
Q

what do we need to know about the history of a cough? 9

A
  • Duration
  • Time of day
  • Type of cough
  • Triggers
  • Sputum
  • SOB
  • Sound
  • Nature of onset
  • Where does it get worse, is there a relationship with food
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6
Q

what signs do we need to know about sputum? 4

A
  • Quantity
  • Colour
  • Smell
  • Blood
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7
Q

what signs do we need to know about haemoptysis? 3

A
  • Frothy and pink
  • Bright red
  • Dark (altered)
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8
Q

explain nasal and naso-pharyngeal considerations for cough and breathlessness? 2

A
  • Rhino-sinusitis: acute and chronic, postnasal drip- combination of cough, postnasal drip, need to clear throat, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, hoarseness need appropriate therapy for rhinitis which can lead to resolution of cough
  • Common things: viral upper respiratory tract infections
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9
Q

explain trachea-bronchail considerations for cough and breathlessness? 4

A
  • Asthma most common cause of chronic cough in childhood, many children have viral induced wheeze but do not go on to develop asthma, cough is indicative of poor control
  • COPD
  • Bronchiectasis scarring from previous infection or as part of other conditions, dilation of smaller airways forming potential space for mucous pooling, stagnation and infection, Lower threshold for antibiotics, often a longer course, Consideration of consolidation with specific pathogens
  • Cancer bronchogenic carcinoma, SCLC, usually environmental
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10
Q

how can we treat a cough? 7

A
  • ABCs
  • Syrups and linctus?
  • Avoidance
  • Quarantine
  • Antibiotics?
  • Inhalers
  • Catch it, bin it, kill it
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