Prescribers of Medication + anatomy + diseases Flashcards
What is included in the upper respiratory system?
These structures are the nose, sinuses (nasal cavities), throat, and larynx (voice box)
How do nasal decongestants work?
These medications constrict the arterioles (a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries) in the nose, thereby reducing blood flow in the engorged area.
What are arterioles?
a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries) in the nose
What exactly is congestion?
Nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels.
What is given to reduce nasal (upper respiratory congestion?)
corticosteroids (any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthare used as anti-inflammatories to manage the stuffiness. They’re used alone or with nasal decongestants. Nasal decongestants and corticosteroids are dispensed as nasal sprays.
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What is a “common cold” exactly?
a diffuse upper respiratory tract infection caused by different types of viruses. It’s transmitted between individuals through droplets from one respiratory tract to another.
What type of medications are normally prescribed for common colds?
remedies usually contain decongestants to relieve nasal stuffiness and sinus congestion and antihistamines to dry the nasal and sinus tissues. Some preparations also contain pain relievers to reduce pain in the sinus cavities.
What is an antihistamine
An antihistamine is a type of pharmaceutical drug that opposes the activity of histamine receptors in the body
(Cough preparations may also contain antihistamines that dry up secretions, decongestants that reduce swelling in the nasal passages, and flavoring to improve the taste.)
What are 5 common antihistamines?
Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl, Bromfed, Tavist, NyQuil Cold/Flu Multi-symptom Relief
What are 3 common decongestants
Afrin, a nasal decongestant spray
Sudafed, or pseudophedrine tablets
Beconase, a corticosteroid nasal spray
What is the medical term for a runny nose or nasal discharge?
rhinorrhea
What is Atrovent?
Atrovent (ipratropium) is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs.
What is bronchospasm?
narrowing airways in the lungs, in people with bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
What is the lower respiratory system include of?
the lower respiratory tract include the windpipe (trachea) and within the lungs, the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
where does coughing usually occur?
In the lower respiratory tract in deeper breathing structures.
What is the most effective agent that can cure coughing?
What is 2nd most popular?
codeine and Hydrocodone (they are prescription only NOT OTC)
What are Expectorants?
a medicine that promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used especially to treat coughs.
(Many cough syrup preparations contain expectorants that increase and liquefy (make liquid) the mucous secretions in the respiratory tract, making it easier for the patient to cough up the mucous.)
What form are cough suppressants given in?
syrups and elixirs (aqueous vehicles of water and alcohol )
What is Asthma?
a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity.
What are 3 common cough preparations?
Robitussin (guaifenesin)
• Mucinex (guaifenesin)
• Cheracol cough syrup (codeine and guaifenesin)
A person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also have what?
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disorders.
What are some common drugs that are used to treat lower respiratory system disorders?
anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and antileukotrienes.
What do beta agonists and the anticholinergics do?
they work by helping the muscles that are wrapped around the airways to relax.
corticosteroids and antileukotrienes
are anti-inflammatory drugs, which work by reducing swelling and by limiting the production of thick mucous in the airways.