Respiratory

Question 1

Cough

Answer 1

Treatment:
Chesty:
- Simple linctus (inc. pregnant + breastfeeding)
- Benylin chesty cough
Dry:
- Benylin dry cough (recommended)
- Pholcodeine (e.g. Galenphol NO children <6, 12-18 with asthma, breastfeeding)
- Sedative antihistamines

Red Flags:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Pain on inspiration
- Coughing up blood
- Coloured sputum (i.e. red, brown, green)

General Advice:
- Home remedies (i.e. lemon + honey)
- Smoking cessation (if smoker ~ reduce symptoms)

Question 2

Cold

Answer 2

Treatment:
- Paracetamol
- Aspirin, ibuprofen
- Vicks, olbas oil
- Night nurse or Day nurse (combination products ~ decongestant, pain, cough)
- Systemic decongestants (NO child <6, child 6-12 = 5 days MAX, CAUTION in groups with other conditions)

Red Flags:
- Ear pain
- Pain on inspiration
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle ache, fatigue, chills, dry cough AND in vulnerable group
- Last > 2 weeks

General Advice:
- Drink a lot of fluids
- Take vitamin C
- Smoking cessation (if smoker)

Question 3

Hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)

Answer 3

Treatment:
- Loratadine (tablets = 6+ / syrup = 2+)
- Cetirizine (tablets 12+ / syrup = 2+)
- Acravistine (capsule = 12+)
- Steroid nasal sprays (ONLY 18+)

Red Flags:
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle ache / chills / fatigue / dry cough AND vulnerable group
- REFER: if > 2 weeks

General Advice:
- Avoid allergens
- Avoid outdoor activities when pollen count is high