coughs

Question 1

referral criteria for a cough

Answer 1

chronic coughs which can be a sign of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, copd, tb and lung cancer, blood pressure medications. longer lasting than two weeks, coloured sputum, shortness of breath or wheezing, chest pain when breathing.

Question 2

treatment of cough - expectorants

Answer 2

recommended for chesty coughs, causes thinner mucus. guafienesin is most common and doesnt interact with any drugs

Question 3

side effects of guaifenesin

Answer 3

nausea, diarrhoea and headaches, although rare.

Question 4

treatment of cough - suppressants ( anti-tussives)

Answer 4

recommended for dry coughs, opioid related. most common are pholcodine and dextromethorphan, can cause drowsiness and constipation.

Question 5

treatments for coughs and colds under 12 but over 6

Answer 5

fluids, rest, paretamol or ibuprofen, saline drops for babies, warm drink of lemon and honey over 1.