Respiratory system Flashcards
What are the two different types of cough?
Chesty/ productive cough: mucus is brought up
Dry cough: nothing is brought up
What are some of the referral symptoms for a cough?
Mucus is not clear
Blood in the mucus
Mucus is thin and frothy
Patient has chest pain
People suffering from what condition should always be referred if they have a cough?
Asthma
What are the three main types of treatments for over 12s?
Expectorants
Suppressants
Demulcents
How do demulcents work?
Demulcents coat the pharynx (part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity) and help to reduce soreness and irritation temporarily.
What type of medication would you recommend for each type of cough?
For a chesty cough: Expectorants and Demulcents
For a dry cough: Suppressants and Demulcents
For tickly/irritating coughs: Demulcents
What are some OTC examples of each of the different types of medications for coughs?
Expectorants: Guaifenensin
Suppressants: Dextromethorphan, Menthol, Diphendramine, Codeine
Demulcents: Simple linctus
What are possible side effects of cough medicines in children?
Increased sleeping problems and hallucinations
After how long should you refer somebody who has a persistent cough?
If it has lasted longer than 3 weeks
What are some examples of OTC medicines available to treat all types of coughs?
Unicough and Bronchostop
What lifestyle advice can you provide to patients with a cough?
Increase fluid intake
Rest as much as possible
Steam inhalation
How long do colds last?
Symptoms can be present from 2-14 days
What are some of the more uncommon symptoms of a cold?
Hoarseness
Mild fever
Headaches
Mild fatigue
What are alarm symptoms of a cold that require referral?
Children Anyone with a weakened immune system Pregnant Fever Rashes Influenza symptoms Cold has lasted more than 2 weeks Difficulty breathing Sore throat longer than 5 days
What are some of the OTC medications available to help with congestion?
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex) Paracetamol/ Pseudoephedrine/ Pholcodine (Day and Night nurse capsules). Xylometazoline hydrochloride (Otrivine spray)
What lifestyle advice would you recommend to someone who has a cold?
Rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Inhale steam
Warm drinks with lemon and honey
What are the main types of treatments for a sore throat?
Benzocaine lozenges and spray
Lidocaine spray
Benzydamine
What are the rules in regards to pseudoephedrine and ephedrine sales?
Can’t sell more than 720mg of pseduoephedrine or 180mg of ephedrine without a prescription
Can’t sell them together
How does Hayfever occur?
When pollen enters the system, the body releases chemicals to fight the foreign matter. It is these chemicals that causes irritation and inflammation which causes the symptoms of Hayfever.
What are some of the common symptoms of hayfever?
- Watery, stingy eyes
- Red eyes
- Sneezing
- Dry cough
- Loss of smell
- Shortness of breath and tightness around the chest
- A headache
- Itchy nose, eyes, and ears
- Earache
What are the alarm symptoms of hayfever?
If the patient is a child If they are pregnant or breastfeeding OTC failure Patient has a shortness of breath Patient is taken medication or has other medical conditions
What are the four main types of Hayfever relief treatment?
Anti histamines
Mast cell stabilisers
Corticosteroids
Allergen barriers
What happens if too much corticosteroids cream is used?
The pigmentation of the skin can change
Bruising occurs more frequently
Skin is thinned
Which medication can/can’t use when pregnant
Allergen barriers you can
Antihistamines you can’t
What lifestyle advice can you give to somebody who suffers with hayfever?
Keep windows and doors shut Stay inside when the pollen count is high Avoid cutting grass Wear sunglasses Don't dry clothes outside Vacuum regularly
What are common side effects of mast cell stabilisers?
Nausea and joint pain
What are some examples of non-drowsy anti-histamines?
Loratadine, Cetrizine and Fexofenadine
