Respiratory Self-care

Question 1

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Answer 1

Non-pharm - cool liquids, salt water gargle,

Pharm - topical anesthetic: benzocaine spray+lozenge

Question 2

Common Cold

Answer 2

Self-care exclusion - Fever >101.5, infant <9 months

Question 3

Nasal Decongestants

For Common Cold

Answer 3

Vasoconstrictors: Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine, oxymetazoline
Caution: increased blood pressure, tachycardia
Rebound congestion.
Coricidin HBP for HTN

Topical Not for children <4 years

Question 4

Cough

Answer 4

Productive = wet, expels secretions for Lower Respiratory tract

Non-pharm - Humidifier, vaporizer, hydration

Pharm: Productive - use expectorant: guaifenesin 1200mg/day
Nonproductive - use cough suppressant: dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine 5mg kids, 10mg adults, highly sedative

NOT for children <14 years

Question 5

Allergic Rhinitis

Answer 5

indoor, outdoor allergens cause inflammation of lining of nose.

self-care exclude children <12

Pharm: antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer (cromolyn sodium nasal) for sneeze, itch, rhinorrhea
Decongestants(Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline) for Nasal congestion

Question 6

Antihistamines

Answer 6

For allergic rhinitis

Adverse effect: sedation, anticholinergic

Diphenhydramine - high sedative activity
Loratidine,fenofexadine - low sedative activity, moderate antihistamine activity
Cetirizine - low sedative, high antihistamine activity