Respiratory System Disorders - Cough Medication / Pain and Fever Medications / Other Treatments

Question 1

Coughing is the body’s way of trying to ____

Answer 1

eliminate mucus that’s been building up in the upper respiratory tract

Question 2

Cough suppressant medications act on the ____ to suppress the urge to cough, and expectorants help bring out the mucus

Answer 2

central nervous system

Question 3

Some examples of commonly used cough medications are:

Answer 3

• Dextromethorphan (Delsym)—cough suppressant
• Guaifenesin (Robitussin)—expectorant
• Benzonatate (Tesselon)
• Hydrocodone-homatropine (Hycodan)
• Promethazine (Phenergan)
• Promethazine/dextromethorphan

Question 4

Pain and fever medications are used to treat symptoms of:

Answer 4

• body pain
• lethargy
• fever

Question 5

Some examples of commonly used medications for pain and fever are:

Answer 5

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

Question 6

Aspirin is also a pain and fever reducer, but not commonly recommended due to the risk of ____ and developing ____

Answer 6

bleeding

gastric ulsers

Question 7

Aspirin isn’t recommended for children due to the risk of a rare but dangerous disease called ____

Answer 7

Reye’s syndrome

Question 8

Other treatments for cold symptoms are:

Answer 8

• Plenty of fluids to help treat the side effects of cold medications and loosen mucus
• Rest until symptoms resolve and the cold virus runs its course (five to seven days)
• Vitamin C and zinc to boost the immune system and help prevent frequent cold infections
• Eucalyptus and other herbal medications to help relieve cold symptoms