upper respiratory terms Flashcards
antihistamines
-drugs that block the release or action of histamine, a chemical released during inflammation that increases secretions & narrows airways
antitussive
drugs that block the cough reflex
decongestants
decrease the blood flow to the upper respiratory tract and decrease overproduction of secretions
expectorants
drugs that increase productive cough to clear airways
mucolytics
drugs that increase of liquify respiratory secretions to aid the clearing of airways
rebound congestion
-process that occurs when the nasal passages become congested as the effect of a decongestant drug wears off
-patients tend to use ore drug to decrease congestion & it becomes a vicious circle
Rhinitis medicamentosa
reflex reaction to vasoconstriction caused by decongestants