cough and shortness of breath Flashcards
1
Q
what are the signs of the symptom shortness of breath? 2
A
- increased RR
- decreased SaO2
2
Q
what are the signs of the symptom of tight chest? 2
A
- decreased PEFR
- wheeze
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
4
Q
what are the causes of cough? 2
A
- Acute irritation, infection
- Chronic medications, asthma, rhinitis, oesophageal reflux, cancer
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
6
Q
what signs do we need to know about sputum? 4
A
- Quantity
- Colour
- Smell
- Blood
7
Q
what signs do we need to know about haemoptysis? 3
A
- Frothy and pink
- Bright red
- Dark (altered)
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
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
10
Q
how can we treat a cough? 7
A
- ABCs
- Syrups and linctus?
- Avoidance
- Quarantine
- Antibiotics?
- Inhalers
- Catch it, bin it, kill it