respiratory Flashcards
what are the red flag symptoms for a cough
- very high temperature / shortness of breath (could be an infection)
- chest pain (not during coughs)
- haemoptysis ( coughing up blood)
- cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Children with stridor (an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or larynx) should be urgently referred to
be assessed by a GP.
what could a cough be a sign of in asthmatic patients
poorly controlled asthma
why should you refer a persistent night time cough in children
It may be a sign of asthma
which class of medication can cause a cough
ace inhibitors.
if cough is troublesome, switch to alternative e.g angiotension-2 receptor blockers
name an example of a demulcent cough medicine
how does it work
example = simple linctus (has syrup/glycerol)
demulcents form a smoothing film which may reduce coughing. (honey and lemon can do the same thing)
which ingredients are expectorants in cough medicines
how do they work
ipecacuanha, ammonium chloride and squill
in theory they are supposed to help you expel bronchial secretions
name examples of anti-tussives (cough suppressants) in cough medicines
how do they work
codeine, pholcodeine , dextromethorphan, mentol, diphenhydramine
they suppress the cough reflex mechanism
which patient groups should you avoid using codeine or opioid derivates for a cough
- avoid completely in children under 6 due to risk of respiratory side effects
- not recommended for children 12-18 who have problems breathing
- breast feeding mothers
name some side effects of codeine or opioid derivate cough medicines
constipation + dependance
why are pholcodeine, dextromethorphan or menthol better alternatives to codeine anti-tussives (cough suppressants)
- pholcodeine has slightly less side effects
- dextomethorphan + menthol provide the cough suppressants effect without the side effects of codeine/ pholcodeine
what type of cough would you avoid using anti-tussives (cough suppressants)
productive cough (patients with phlegm/mucus) as they need to be coughing/expelling this
which sedative anti-histamine can be used as an anti-tussive (cough suppressant)
diphenhydramine
what is the side effect of using diphendryamine in cough syrups
how can this be benefical
It is a sedative anti-histamine so can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
This may be benefical at night to aid sleep
what are the only ingredients that can be used in cough medicines for children under 6
glycerol/ syrup (demulcent cough medicines)
all other ingredients have no evidence of benefit but can increase risk side effects to child. As child gets older, risk of side effects reduces
why should you avoid giving more than one cough preparation to children at the same time
to avoid overdose. (different brands may contain the same active ingredients)
