Respiratory OTC - Common Cold Flashcards
Define a common cold. (1)
Mild, self-limiting URTI.
What is the main cause of the common cold? (1)
Viral
How can the common cold be spread? (2)
Inhalation (mucus droplets)
Touch
How long does the symptoms last for common cold? (1)
2-3 days
What are the symptoms of cold? (6)
Runny/blocked nose
Sneezing
Headaches/aches/pains
Sore throat
Earache (Blocked/Uncomfortable = normal/ painful = referral.)
Define Influenza. (1)
Acute respiratory illness caused by RNA virus.
What are the 3 types of Influenza? (3)
A: More virulent (causes pandemics)
B: Co-circulates with A.
C: Causes mild/asymptomatic infections.
What are the symptoms of Influenza? (4)
Rapid onset
Weakness/Fatigue
Fever
Reduced Resistance (LT illness, stress, fatigue, depression)
What vaccine is given to patients to reduce Influenza risk? (1)
Flu vaccine (Sep-Nov)
What are the complications for cold/influenza? (5)
Acute bronchitis
Pneumonia
Asthma/COPD exacerbation
Otitis Media
Sinusitis
Non-respiratory complications (rare)
What are the complications for pregnant women experiencing influenza? (4)
Premature birth (smaller neonatal size/lower birth weight)
Perinatal mortality.
Define COVID-19. (1)
Betacoronarvirus
Variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
What are the common symptoms of COVID-19? (7)
Fever
New continuous cough
SOB
Fatigue
Appetite loss
Anosmia (loss of smell)
Ageusia (loss of taste)
What are the other symptoms of COVID-19? (9)
Headache
Muscle pain
Sore throat
Nasal congestion
Chest pain
Nausea + Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Skin rashes (younger people)
What lifestyle advice is given to patients with cold/flu? (4)
Fluids
Rest
Hand hygiene
Vitamin C / Zinc
What treatment option(s) is given to patients experiencing fever/chills/headaches/muscle aches/fatigue? (2)
1st line: Paracetamol
2nd line: Aspirin/Ibuprofen
What treatment option(s) is given to patients experiencing congestion? (2)
Nasal wash/drops vs steam inhalation.
Decongestants (sympathomimetics) e.g. Sudafed.
What treatment option(s) is given to patients experiencing insomnia? (1)
Antihistamines (Promethazine/Diphenhydramine)
What treatment option(s) is given to patients experiencing sore throat? (6)
Self care: (oral analgesics)
- Salt water gargle, medicated lozenges (local anaesthetics/NSAIDs/Antiseptics)
Local anaesthetics
Antiseptic
Demulcents
Analgesics
Anti-inflammatory
What are the legal issues for pseodephedrine/ephedrine? (4)
Misused to produce methylamphetamine (crystal meth)
Max. Sale of 720mg packs (12x60mg tablets)
Limit of 1 pack per person.
