Hay fever, Cough & Cold Flashcards

1
Q

What are the symptoms of hay fever? (4)

A
  1. Rhinorrhoea
  2. Nasal congestion
  3. Itching
  4. Allergic conjunctivitis
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2
Q

What are the referal criteria for hay fever? (5)

A
  1. Pregnancy
  2. Suspected infection
  3. Drug induced
  4. Structural or mechanical reasons
  5. Systemic conditions associated with mucus (e.g. CF)
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3
Q

Which drugs can induce symptoms of hay fever? (7)

A
  1. ACE inhibitors
  2. Beta blockers
  3. Chlopromazine
  4. Aspirin
  5. NSAIDs
  6. Cocaine
  7. Diverse effect of nasal decongestants
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4
Q

What is the first line treatment for someone presenting with general symptoms of hay fever?

A

Non-sedating antihistamine

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5
Q

At which age are Cetirizine and Loratadine both licensed from?

A

2 years

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6
Q

At which age is Acrivastine licensed?

A

Over 12

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7
Q

How often should a non-sedating antihistamine be taken?

A

Once daily

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8
Q

If a patient taking a non-sedating antihistamine experiences “breakthrough” symptoms, which drug can you recommended instead?

A

Sedating antihistamine taken at shorter intervals

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9
Q

At what age is chlorphenamine syrup licensed?

A

Over 1

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10
Q

At what age are chlorphenamine tablets licensed?

A

Over 6

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11
Q

At what age is promethazine licensed? (syrup and 10mg tablets)

A

Over 2

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12
Q

Can promethazine 25mg tablets be sold OTC for hay fever?

A

No, licensed for insominas in patients over 16

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13
Q

If patient is experiencing nasal congestion due to hay fever, what is the recommended OTC treatment?

A

Nasal corticosteroid

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14
Q

At what age are beconase and nasonex both licensed for?

A

Over 18

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15
Q

When should nasal corticosteroids be taken for maximal effect?

A

A week before hay fever begins

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16
Q

Is sudafed nasal decongestant spray recommended for hay fever?

A

Not recommended but can be used as an adjunct

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17
Q

What is the maximum recommended duration of use for sudafed nasal spray and why?

A

7 days - risk of rebound congestion

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18
Q

At what age is sudafed blocked nose spray?

A

Over 12

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19
Q

Which 2 drugs can be applied topically if the patient is experiencing allergic conjunctivitis?

A
  1. Mast cell stabilisers

2. Occular antihisatmines

20
Q

How long does it usually take for a common old to resolve?

A

7 days

21
Q

How long does it usually take for a common old to resolve in children?

A

14 days

22
Q

What is used for symptomatic relief of a cold?

A

Paracetamol and ibuprofen

23
Q

What advice do you give patients with colds?

A

Keep hydrated and rest

24
Q

As well as paracetamol and ibuprofen, what else can be used to treat symptoms of a cold?

A

Intranasal decongestants

25
Q

Is there a place for oral decongestants when treating a cold?

A

They can be used in the short term but the benefit is small

26
Q

As well as lifestyle measures, what must patients be counselled on when buying cough and cold medicines?

A

The risk of paracetamol overdose

27
Q

Which cough and cold medicines should be avoided in those under 6? (4)

A
  1. Anti-tussives
  2. Expectorants
  3. Topical and oral decongestants
  4. Antihistamines
28
Q

In patients under 6, what can be used for symptomatic relief of cough and cold?

A
  1. Paracetamol and ibupofen

2. Simple cough remedies

29
Q

If a patient is over 1, what can be recommended for symptomatic relief of cough and cold?

A

Warm drink of honey and lemon

30
Q

What are 5 self care measures for cough and cold that can be purchased OTC?

A
  1. Steam inhalation
  2. Vapour rubs
  3. Gargling salt water
  4. Menthol sweets
  5. Nasal saline drops
31
Q

What are the 2 types of cough?

A
  1. Productive (chesty)

2. Non-productive (dry)

32
Q

How long does an acute cough last?

A

Less than 3 weeks

33
Q

What should you do if a patient presents with a cough lasting longer than 3 weeks?

A

Refer for further investigation

34
Q

How long must a cough last to become chronic?

A

Over 8 weeks

35
Q

What is the most likely cause of a cough?

A

Viral upper respiratory tract infection

36
Q

What is a trigger for croup?

A

Recent viral infection

37
Q

At what age does croup normally occur?

A

Between 3 months and 6 years

38
Q

How long does croup usually resolve?

A

48hours

39
Q

When should you refer someone with croup for medical intervention? (2)

A
  1. Over 48 hours

2. Severe

40
Q

A patient presenting with which symptoms is likely to have pneumonia? Requires urgent referral to GP (5)

A
  1. High fever
  2. Malaise
  3. Headache
  4. Breathlessness
  5. Pleuritic pain
41
Q

Give an active ingredient of expectorants

A

Guafenasin

42
Q

Give 4 active ingredients of anti-tussives

A
  1. Codeine
  2. Pholcodeine
  3. Dextromorphan
  4. Antihistamines (diphenyldramine)
43
Q

At which age is codeine linctus licensed for OTC?

A

Over 18

44
Q

Does the MHRA advise the use of cough and cold medicines in children 6-12?

A

No, only supplementary to best principles of care

45
Q

Who should not have codeine at all?

A

Under 18s with sleep apnoea who have had tonsil and adenoid surgery

46
Q

In which patients should codeine be used with caution?

A

12-18 difficulty breathing