Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most common cause of subacute cough?
What is the most common cause of subacute cough?
- Bacterial sinusitis (correct)
- Asthma
- UACS
- GERD
Which type of cough is associated with atypical bacterial infections?
Which type of cough is associated with atypical bacterial infections?
- Loose cough
- Unproductive cough (correct)
- Productive cough
- Chesty cough
What is a potential cause of green sputum in coughing individuals?
What is a potential cause of green sputum in coughing individuals?
- Eosinophils (correct)
- Allergy
- Night sweats
- Chronic fever
Which condition is associated with chronic cough accompanied by haemoptysis, chronic fever, and night sweats?
Which condition is associated with chronic cough accompanied by haemoptysis, chronic fever, and night sweats?
What is a common cause of unproductive cough?
What is a common cause of unproductive cough?
In which condition might questioning reveal a history of antibiotic treatment for COPD?
In which condition might questioning reveal a history of antibiotic treatment for COPD?
What is the main purpose of coughing?
What is the main purpose of coughing?
How long can a cough often persist after a bad cold?
How long can a cough often persist after a bad cold?
Why is establishing the age of a patient important in dealing with cough cases?
Why is establishing the age of a patient important in dealing with cough cases?
When should a pharmacist consider referral to a doctor for a persistent cough?
When should a pharmacist consider referral to a doctor for a persistent cough?
What is the usual etiology of most coughs seen in pharmacies?
What is the usual etiology of most coughs seen in pharmacies?
What symptom would indicate an urgent need for referral for a persistent cough?
What symptom would indicate an urgent need for referral for a persistent cough?
What is a possible cause of coughing that is common among patients with a family history of eczema, hay fever, and asthma?
What is a possible cause of coughing that is common among patients with a family history of eczema, hay fever, and asthma?
Why might a recurrent night-time cough be concerning in children?
Why might a recurrent night-time cough be concerning in children?
What is a common symptom associated with heart failure according to the text?
What is a common symptom associated with heart failure according to the text?
Why should patients with a persistent cough consider quitting smoking?
Why should patients with a persistent cough consider quitting smoking?
When is it advisable to recommend health education advice about stopping smoking to patients?
When is it advisable to recommend health education advice about stopping smoking to patients?
What might be suggested when patients have a persisting cough with talking and bending symptoms?
What might be suggested when patients have a persisting cough with talking and bending symptoms?
What may happen to a smoker's cough when they stop smoking?
What may happen to a smoker's cough when they stop smoking?
Why is it important for healthcare providers to mention the seriousness of smoking to individuals with a cough?
Why is it important for healthcare providers to mention the seriousness of smoking to individuals with a cough?
Why is it crucial to know about the medications taken for a cough, including those bought over the counter or borrowed from others?
Why is it crucial to know about the medications taken for a cough, including those bought over the counter or borrowed from others?
What type of cough may occur in patients taking Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors?
What type of cough may occur in patients taking Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors?
In what situations might a pharmacist think an inappropriate cough preparation was taken?
In what situations might a pharmacist think an inappropriate cough preparation was taken?
Why might ACE inhibitor therapy need to be discontinued in some patients with a troublesome cough?
Why might ACE inhibitor therapy need to be discontinued in some patients with a troublesome cough?
What is the general advice to patients with coughs and colds regarding fluid intake?
What is the general advice to patients with coughs and colds regarding fluid intake?
Which type of cough preparations are used to treat unproductive coughs?
Which type of cough preparations are used to treat unproductive coughs?
Why might cough suppressants be useful in some cases?
Why might cough suppressants be useful in some cases?
What is the primary advantage of preparations like simple linctus for treating coughs?
What is the primary advantage of preparations like simple linctus for treating coughs?
What is the logic behind not using expectorants and suppressants together in cough treatment?
What is the logic behind not using expectorants and suppressants together in cough treatment?
Which antitussive drug is indicated for the suppression of nonproductive cough caused by chemical or mechanical respiratory tract irritation?
Which antitussive drug is indicated for the suppression of nonproductive cough caused by chemical or mechanical respiratory tract irritation?
Study Notes
Cough Overview
- Coughing is a protective reflex action to clear the airway and allow normal breathing.
- Most coughs are caused by viral respiratory tract infections and are often associated with cold symptoms.
Significance of Questions and Answers
- Age: Influences the pharmacist's decision about referral to a doctor and choice of treatment.
- Duration: Most coughs are self-limiting and will resolve with or without treatment; coughs lasting over 2-3 weeks with no improvement or worsening symptoms should be referred to a GP.
- Duration and Etiology: Coughs can be classified as acute, subacute, or chronic, and may be caused by asthma, cardiovascular disease, or gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Cough Classification
- Acute: Lasts less than 3 weeks, commonly caused by viral URTI or common cold.
- Subacute: Lasts 3-8 weeks, commonly caused by bacterial sinusitis or asthma.
- Chronic: Lasts over 8 weeks, commonly caused by UACS, COPD, or GERD.
Nature of Cough
- Unproductive (dry, tickly, or tight): No sputum is produced; usually caused by viral infection or GERD.
- Productive (chesty or loose): Sputum is produced; may be caused by infection, allergy, or smoking.
Previous History
- Smoking: Exacerbates coughs and can cause coughing; smoking cessation advice should be given.
- COPD: Questioning may reveal a history of COPD, which is being treated with antibiotics.
Cough Management
- Fluid Intake: Maintaining a good fluid intake helps hydrate the lungs, and hot drinks can have a soothing effect.
- Demulcent Cough Preparations: Contain soothing substances like syrup or glycerol; used to treat unproductive coughs.
- Expectorants: Claimed to promote coughing and expulsion of bronchial secretions; used to treat productive coughs.
- Suppressants: Used to treat unproductive coughs; may cause sputum retention and be harmful in patients with chronic bronchitis.
Systemic Antitussives
- Codeine: Indicated for suppression of nonproductive cough caused by chemical or mechanical respiratory tract irritation.
- Dextromethorphan: Approved by the FDA for nonprescription use.
- Diphenhydramine: Approved by the FDA for nonprescription use.
Present Medications
- Includes prescribed medications, OTC drugs, borrowed medications, and herbal remedies.
- Important to consider interactions with cough medicine and which cough medicines have been tried already.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on non-prescription drugs and parapharmaceuticals used for treating cough. Learn about the causes of coughing and how it is a protective reflex action to clear the airway when irritated or obstructed.
