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
Is croup viral or bacterial?
Viral
Treatment for croup?
Nothing as viral
Can give the child paracetamol for the temp
Sometimes dexamethasone can be used to bring down the inflammation and swelling in the trachea
Warning signs for referral with croup?
Trouble breathing
Can’t swallow
Pale/clammy
