Respiratory- Cough

Question 1

COUGH-
What is it?

What are danger symptoms?

Answer 1

Reflex action of body, described as forced manoeuvre against a clotted glottis.

Very high temperature or S.O.B accompanied by cough , should be urgently referred to rule out more serious infections.

Chest pain other than soles coughing

Haemoptysis, could indicate a TB, malignancy or even cardiovascular cause such as pulmonary oedema

Any cough that persists for longer than 21 days should be referred

Question 2

COUGH-

Who is pneumonia is more common in?

Answer 2

in patients aged over 65 or under 2 years and in heavy smokers or drinkers

Question 3

COUGH-

What are differential diagnosis?

Answer 3

Asthmatics- poorly controlled asthma

Asthma- persistent night-time cough in children

ACE inhibitor- adverse effects

GORD

Question 4

COUGH-
What are treatment options

Answer 4

Demulcents- which suppresses the voluntary cough mechanism, reducing the frequency of cough. Home remedies of honey and lemon has the same effect i.e simple linctus

Expectorants;
Ammonium chloride and squill, guiafenisin) produce expulsion of bronchial secretions.

suppressants- (not recommended in clearing phlegm and mucus)

sedative antihistamine- diphenyhydramine suppress the cough and cause drowsiness

nasal decongestants - pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine

Question 5

COUGH- Croup

What causes croup?

How does it develop?

What are symptoms?

What is treatment option?

Answer 5

Parainfluenza virus

Starts with a cold and develops into characteristic barking cough.

It causes the trachea to inflame and swell with thick mucus also produced. This combinations makes breathing difficult and painful. Inhaling is more difficult than inhaling making a rasping sound when the child breathes in ( inspiratory stridor). Symptoms often worsen at night and most severe in first three days.

Question 6

COUGH- croup

Practical tips for parents?

Answer 6

Young children may e distressing and its important to reassure the parents and try to calm the child.

Sitting them upright

Adequate fluid intake is important

Carry them around in cooling air

(look for signs of sepsis and children with strodor which is a high pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or larynx)