Cough: Non-Prescription Drugs and Parapharmaceuticals Quiz

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Questions and Answers

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?

Loose cough

Unproductive cough (correct)

Productive cough

Chesty cough

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?

COPD Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of unproductive cough?

Infection Signup and view all the answers

In which condition might questioning reveal a history of antibiotic treatment for COPD?

Common cold Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of coughing?

To clear the airway from irritants Signup and view all the answers

How long can a cough often persist after a bad cold?

3 weeks or more Signup and view all the answers

Why is establishing the age of a patient important in dealing with cough cases?

To decide on the necessity of referral and treatment Signup and view all the answers

When should a pharmacist consider referral to a doctor for a persistent cough?

If the cough has lasted for 2-3 weeks with no improvement Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual etiology of most coughs seen in pharmacies?

Viral respiratory tract infections Signup and view all the answers

What symptom would indicate an urgent need for referral for a persistent cough?

Tiredness, malaise, or fever Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of coughing that is common among patients with a family history of eczema, hay fever, and asthma?

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Signup and view all the answers

Why might a recurrent night-time cough be concerning in children?

It could be a symptom of asthma Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom associated with heart failure according to the text?

Chronic cough Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients with a persistent cough consider quitting smoking?

To benefit their lung health Signup and view all the answers

When is it advisable to recommend health education advice about stopping smoking to patients?

When they experience persistent coughing Signup and view all the answers

What might be suggested when patients have a persisting cough with talking and bending symptoms?

Heart disease referral Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to a smoker's cough when they stop smoking?

It may initially worsen as the cilia cleaning action is re-established. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for healthcare providers to mention the seriousness of smoking to individuals with a cough?

Smoking is a significant cause of COPD and lung cancer. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to know about the medications taken for a cough, including those bought over the counter or borrowed from others?

To avoid potential interactions with other medications. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cough may occur in patients taking Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors?

Irritating, non-productive, and persistent cough. Signup and view all the answers

In what situations might a pharmacist think an inappropriate cough preparation was taken?

Taking a cough suppressant for a productive cough. Signup and view all the answers

Why might ACE inhibitor therapy need to be discontinued in some patients with a troublesome cough?

Due to persistent and distressing coughing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general advice to patients with coughs and colds regarding fluid intake?

To maintain or increase fluid intake Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cough preparations are used to treat unproductive coughs?

Expectorants Signup and view all the answers

Why might cough suppressants be useful in some cases?

To relieve dry and irritating coughs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of preparations like simple linctus for treating coughs?

They are harmless and inexpensive Signup and view all the answers

What is the logic behind not using expectorants and suppressants together in cough treatment?

They cancel out each other's effects Signup and view all the answers

Which antitussive drug is indicated for the suppression of nonproductive cough caused by chemical or mechanical respiratory tract irritation?

Codeine Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.