Respiratory OTC - Cough

Question 1

Define cough. (1)

Answer 1

Reflex response to airway irritation.

Question 2

What are the causes of cough? (5)

Answer 2

URTVI
Cold/dry atmosphere
Smoking
Asthma/COPD/HF/Allergies
ACEi

Question 3

What are the symptoms of non-productive cough? (3)

Answer 3

Dry tickly irritation of the throat/chest.
No sputum production

Question 4

What are the symptoms of productive cough? (4)

Answer 4

Excess mucus
Coloured sputum
Thick and difficult to clear chest
Thin & clear removed by cough (Mucoid)

Question 5

What are the main treatment options for cough? (4)

Answer 5

Antitussives (Dextromethorphan)
Antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Promethazine, Triprolidine)
Demulcents
Expectorants (Not for < 6 years)

Question 6

What counselling is given to patients presenting with coughs? (3)

Answer 6

Increased fluids
Steam inhalation
Sugar free prep. (Diabetes)

Question 7

What are the alarm symptoms of a cough? (8)

Answer 7

Cough lasting > 3 weeks.
Coloured sputum
Chest pain
SOB +/or wheeze.
Recurrent nocturnal cough (children)
Whooping/croup
ADRs
Smokers with recurrent cough