Wk 14: Respiratory OTC 2 Flashcards
What are the causes of a cough?
- Upper respiratory tract viral infection
- Cold/dry atmosphere
- Smoking
- Astma/HF/allergies
- ACEi
What are the types of coughs?
- Non-productive: dry tickly irritation
- Productive: sputum + difficult to clear chest
What would you use for a dry cough?
Cough suppressant (antitussive):
- Codeine linctus (18): constipation + abuse
- Pholcodine linctus: less s/e
- Dextromethorphan: less potent + s/e
Which antihistamines are used to treat a cough?
Diphenhydramine, promethazine
- Dry secretion
- Red freq.
- Causes drowsiness
Which cough treatment is suitable for children, asthmatics + pregnant women?
Demulcents
- Glycerin, honey + lemon
- Simple linctus
- > 3 months old
- Caution: diabetics + bad dental hygiene
Which treatment is used for a chesty cough in over 6 years old?
Expectorants - guaifenesin, ammonium salts, menthol
- Stim bronchial mucus secretion - liquifying sputum
- Emetic reflex response
What are the counselling points for a cough?
- Inc fluid
- Sugar free remedies
When do you refer for a cough?
- > 3 wks
- Coloured sputum
- Chest pain
- SOB/wheeze
- Recurrent nocturnal cough
- Whooping/croup
- ADRs
- Smoker w/ recurrent cough
When do you refer for a sore throat?
> 3 wks
What is perennial allergic rhinitis?
Occurs throughout year: dust, fur, fungal
What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
- Sneezing
- Rhinorrhoea
- Congestion
- Nasal itch
- Itchy eyes
What is first line for allergic rhinitis?
- Oral antihistamine
- Take when symptoms expected
- Red rhinorrhoea, sneezing + itch
- No effect on congestion
Which sedative oral antihistamine is used in allergic rhinitis?
- Chlorphenamine
- Promethazine (highly sedative)
Which non-sedative oral antihistamine is used in allergic rhinitis?
- Fexofenadine (120mg) OD: 12 yrs
- Loratadine OD: 2 yrs
- Cetirizine OD: 2 yrs
Which combination oral product is used in allergic rhinitis to relive congestion?
Benadryl plus - acrivastine w/ pseudoephedrine
Which nasal preparations are used for allergic rhinitis?
Beclomethasone + fluticasone:
- +18
- Anti inflammatory
- 2 wks before symptoms
- S/e: dryness + irritation of nose, nose bleeds
What is used as a prophylactic treatment for nasal + eye irritation in allergic rhinitis?
- Topical sodium cromoglycate (opticrom)
- Mast cell stabilizers
- QDS
- +6 yrs old
What is an example of a POM used to stabilise mast cells?
- Topical lodoxamide
- Intra-ocular
- > 4yrs old
- 4 wks only
What are the counselling points for a patient w/ allergic rhinitis?
- Avoid going out when pollen count is high
- Keep windows closed
- Sunglasses
- Shower after being outside
- Avoid camping/mowing lawns
What are the counselling points for perennial allergic rhinitis?
- Use acaricide + fungicides
- Non-allergic pillows
- Wash bedding weekly at 60c
- Damp dust
- Vacuum regularly
When do you refer for allergic rhinitis?
- Wheezing/SOB
- Prolonged/severe earache
- Facial pain
- Coloured nasal discharge
- Purulent conjunctivitis
- 5-7 days no improvement
