Pharmaceutical Management of Cough Flashcards
what is cough?
a protective reflex action caused when the airway is irritated or obstructed
what are common cough syndromes?
- asthma
- eosinophilic bronchitis
- upper airway disease
- undiagnosed or idiopathic chronic cough
in what case is bronchial hyperesponsiveness present; cough variant asthma or eosinophilic bronchitis?
in cough variant asthma
what are clinical indicators of cough variant asthma?
- cough occurring nocturnally
- after exercise
- after allergen exposure
how would you know if it was eosinophilic bronchitis?
- there’d be no sign of asthma
- there’d be variable airflow obstruction
- evidence of eosinophilic inflammation
How do we treat cough variant asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis?
- Eliminate allergen
- Antihistamines
- Steroids
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists
How does GORD affect cough?
-increases cough reflex sensitivity
How do we manage the effects of GORD on cough?
- give PPI or H2 receptor antagonist to deal with GORD
2. eliminate causative meds e.g. CA2+ antagonists
what accompanies upper airway diseases to cause cough?
- nasal stiffness
- sinusitis
- sensation of secretions draining into the posterior pharynx from nose or sinuses (termed post-nasal drip)
how do we manage/treat upper airway disease causing cough?
antihistamines or trial of corticosteroids
what happens to lymphocytic airways in idiopathic cough?
the airways are inflamed
when do you refer a customer to see a doctor regarding their cough (red flag)?
- cough >3weeks
- sputum (sign of infection or bleeding)
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- whooping cough
- recurrent nocturnal cough
- suspected adverse drug event
- failed medication
what is the role of expectorants?
they promote expulsion of bronchial secretions
what is the role of suppressants?
acts as a sedater
what is the role of demulcents?
soothe the area
