Coughs Flashcards
Difference between productive and dry cough?
Phlegm
Danger symptoms for cough include?
Coughing up blood
Cough lasting more than 21 days
Very high temp and SOB - phenmonia (under 2 and over 65)
Chest pain with cough/without the cough
Differential diagnosis of cough examples
Asthma
GORD
Medication side effects
HF
Post nasal drip - allergic rhinitis / sinusitis
Types of treatment classes for coughs
Suppressants
Expectorants
Demulcents
Anti histamines
Expectorants are used for what type of cough?
Productive.
Although EBM states more of a placebo effect
Can you sell expectorants/suppressants/decongestants/anti histamines to a child aged 5?
NO.
None of these medications are suitable for children under 6
Ages 6-12 can try them is everything else has failed
Anti-histamine method of action in cough treatment?
Anti histamines are sedating - therefore can aid nocturnal cough
What anti-tussives should be avoided?
Codeine or opioid-derivatives
Side effects are sedating and constipating
Dextromethorphan and phlocodine are better used to suppress a cough
Ages restrictions for dexmethtrophan and phlocodine?
Dex =>12 years
Phlo =>6 years
Codeine ages restrictions
Shouldn’t be used in children under 6
Children >12 licensed
Avoided in children 12-18 if poor breathing problems due to side effects
Avoided in Adults due to drowsiness and constipation too
Sedating antihistamine
Chlorphenamine - what is the children age restrictions
Syrup =>1 year
Tablets =>6 years
Can be used for nocturnal cough symptoms unless query asthma, then would need referral
Rules for children and cough/cold medications …
No more than one type of medicine at the same time due to some brands having the same active ingredient
Max of 5 days use
Not under the age of 6 years
6-12 years can be used as long as other options have been exhausted
A cough lasting how long is an issue?
3 weeks
Pneumonia common in what ages groups?
Over 65
Under 2
Croup is caused by what?
Parainfluenza virus
