Chapter 36: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants
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What is the most common cause of the common cold?

  • Bacteria
  • Fungal infections
  • Rhinoviruses (correct)
  • Allergens

    • Which symptom is primarily caused by the irritation of the nasal mucosa during a cold?

  • Sneezing (correct)
  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Headache

    • What role does mucus play in the body's response to a viral infection like the common cold?

  • To enhance airway constriction
  • To cause further inflammation
  • To soothe the throat
  • To trap viruses and prevent their spread (correct)

    • What is a primary mechanism of action for antihistamines in managing cold symptoms?

    <p>Blocking histamine receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about antiviral therapies for the common cold is true?

    <p>There are no effective antiviral therapies available.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does nasal congestion occur during a common cold?

    <p>Mucosal irritation causes blood vessels to dilate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom can excessive mucus production lead to when it drips into the lower respiratory tract?

    <p>Upset stomach</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of treatment strategies for the common cold?

    <p>Reduce symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of empiric therapy for the common cold?

    <p>To alleviate symptoms associated with the most likely cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms can be caused by histamine release during anaphylaxis?

    <p>Constriction of smooth muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do antihistamines exert their effect on histamine receptors?

    <p>By competing with histamine for binding at H1 receptor sites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which types of medications are primarily used for treating peptic ulcer disease?

    <p>H2 blockers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are common symptoms associated with histamine release during allergic reactions?

    <p>Sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does histamine play in the body's inflammatory response?

    <p>Facilitates the inflammatory process by increasing permeability of blood vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are antiviral and antibiotic treatments not always definitively effective for the common cold?

    <p>The exact viral or bacterial cause may not be identified</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the action of antihistamines regarding receptor sites?

    <p>They prevent histamine from binding to unoccupied receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of traditional antihistamines?

    <p>Block histamine receptors in the central nervous system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of traditional antihistamines?

    <p>Increased urination</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes oral decongestants from topical nasal decongestants?

    <p>Oral decongestants are less potent and take longer to act.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of decongestants can cause rebound congestion if used excessively?

    <p>Topical adrenergics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism of action of intranasal steroids?

    <p>Reduce inflammation and congestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication class is known for having anticholinergic effects?

    <p>Traditional antihistamines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary benefit of using topical nasal steroid decongestants?

    <p>They are the most effective for long-term treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are traditional antihistamines not preferred for patients needing non-sedating options?

    <p>They can lead to sedation and other side effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical effect of allergens on the nasal passages during the common cold?

    <p>They cause mucosal swelling and increased mucus production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom is least likely to be caused by the body's immune response to the common cold?

    <p>Fever</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do antihistamines primarily alleviate symptoms associated with the common cold?

    <p>By blocking histamine receptors in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical characteristic of the mucus produced during a common cold?

    <p>It is thick and sticky.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does nasal decongestant usage typically affect swollen nasal passages?

    <p>It shrinks swollen nasal tissues to relieve congestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism through which excessive mucus can lead to a sore throat during a cold?

    <p>It irritates the throat as it drips down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is symptomatic relief prioritized over antiviral therapy for the common cold?

    <p>No effective antiviral therapies exist for the common cold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily causes nasal congestion during the common cold?

    <p>Inflammation leading to swelling of the nasal passage membranes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key difference between productive and nonproductive coughs?

    <p>Productive coughs are characterized by phlegm or mucus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of opioid antitussives?

    <p>They suppress the cough reflex by acting on the cough center in the medulla.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which side effect is commonly associated with the use of antitussives?

    <p>Sedation and drowsiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism does dextromethorphan use to suppress coughing?

    <p>It inhibits the cough reflex pathway in the brain without causing CNS depression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about benzonaate is true?

    <p>It works by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of H1 blockers in the context of allergic reactions?

    <p>To prevent histamine from binding to its receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the timing of antihistamine administration?

    <p>Early administration of antihistamines can prevent histamine binding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which effect of antihistamines contributes to their use in treating allergic rhinitis?

    <p>Decrease in capillary permeability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential issue should be considered when prescribing antihistamines to patients with narrow-angle glaucoma?

    <p>Antihistamines can worsen intraocular pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do first-generation antihistamines primarily differ from second-generation antihistamines?

    <p>First-generation antihistamines often cause drowsiness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach is NOT a common indication for antihistamine usage?

    <p>Treating insomnia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of symptoms might benefit from the use of antihistamines in patients with Parkinson's disease?

    <p>Tremors and other symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism explains how antihistamines alleviate allergic reactions?

    <p>By blocking histamine receptor binding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary effect of antihistamines on the body during anaphylaxis?

    <p>Blocks the action of histamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes an anticholinergic effect associated with antihistamines?

    <p>Decreased nasal secretions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of receptor do H2 blockers primarily target?

    <p>Histamine receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological response is primarily caused by histamine release in the lungs during anaphylaxis?

    <p>Bronchospasm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common side effect associated with antihistamine use?

    <p>Sedation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of H2 blockers?

    <p>Inhibit gastric acid secretion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a direct effect of histamine on the vascular system?

    <p>Vasodilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of response is NOT typically triggered by histamine during an allergic reaction?

    <p>Increased heart rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one significant challenge in empiric therapy for common cold symptoms?

    <p>Difficulty in pinpointing the cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following antihistamines is specifically mentioned as an H2 blocker?

    <p>Cimetidine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adverse effect is least likely to result from histamine release?

    <p>Inhibition of respiratory function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which adrenergic nasal decongestants improve nasal congestion?

    <p>Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which describes the effect of nasal steroids on inflammation in the nasal passages?

    <p>They inhibit immune system cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is a contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants?

    <p>Narrow-Angle Glaucoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common side effect can result from the use of topical nasal decongestants?

    <p>Dryness and irritation of the nasal mucosa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what situation are nasal decongestants commonly used before a medical procedure?

    <p>To reduce nasal swelling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of rhinitis are nasal decongestants NOT typically indicated for?

    <p>Hay Fever</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following aspects could potentially worsen after using nasal decongestants in certain patients?

    <p>Intraocular pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom might result from the use of nasal decongestants due to their central nervous system effects?

    <p>Nervousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of patients should exercise caution when using nasal decongestants?

    <p>Those with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a key role of nasal decongestants in the treatment of sinusitis?

    <p>Alleviating sinus congestion and pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Empiric Therapy for Common Cold

    • Difficult to identify the cause of a common cold, whether viral or bacterial
    • Treat common cold symptoms based on the most likely cause
    • Antivirals and antibiotics may be used but are not always effective

    Histamine Receptor Sites

    • Antihistamines compete with histamine for binding to histamine receptors
    • Two types of histamine receptors: H1 and H2

    Histamine Release

    • Histamine release can cause various symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions
    • Histamine is involved in allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, and insect stings

    Anaphylaxis

    • A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by excessive histamine release
    • Causes constriction of smooth muscle, particularly in the stomach and lungs
    • Increases body secretions, leading to symptoms like excessive mucus production and watery eyes
    • Vasodilation and edema resulting in fluid leakage from blood vessels, low blood pressure, and edema

    H2 Blockers

    • Used for reducing gastric acid production
    • Effective in treating peptic ulcer disease
    • Examples include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid)

    Antihistamines: Mechanism of Action

    • Block the action of histamine at H1 receptor sites
    • Competitively bind to unoccupied receptors

    Understanding the Common Cold

    • Caused by rhinoviruses or influenza viruses
    • These viruses invade the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, causing an upper respiratory infection
    • Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sneezing
    • Excessive mucus production is caused by the inflammatory response to the virus

    Treatment of the Common Cold

    • Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, not eliminating the underlying cause
    • No effective antiviral therapies available for the common cold

    Antihistamines

    • Used to manage sneezing and runny nose
    • Limited effectiveness in treating the common cold

    Traditional Antihistamines

    • Block histamine receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues
    • Cause anticholinergic effects, leading to dry mouth and drowsiness
    • Examples include diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, meclizine, and promethazine

    Decongestants

    • Used to relieve nasal congestion
    • Two types: adrenergics and anticholinergics
    • Adrenergics are more common

    Oral Decongestants

    • Longer duration of action but take longer to show effects
    • Less potent than topical nasal decongestants
    • Exclusively adrenergic medications
    • Do not cause rebound congestion, unlike topical nasal decongestants

    Topical Nasal Decongestants

    • Rapid onset of relief from nasal congestion
    • Common treatment for nasal congestion
    • Can be adrenergic, anticholinergic, or intranasal steroids
    • Intranasal steroids are the most effective topical nasal decongestants
    • Intranasal ipratropium is a newer nasal spray, used to treat rhinorrhea in patients with the common cold or allergic rhinitis

    Understanding the Common Cold

    • The common cold, often a viral infection, is primarily caused by rhinoviruses or influenza viruses.
    • These viruses infiltrate the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, causing an upper respiratory infection.
    • The body's immune system releases chemicals to fight the virus, resulting in inflammation.
    • Inflammation leads to excessive mucus production, designed to trap the virus and prevent its spread.
    • Symptoms of the common cold encompass runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sneezing.
    • The thick, sticky mucus can irritate the throat, causing a sore throat.
    • Irritation of the nasal mucosa triggers the sneeze reflex, expelling air and mucus from the nasal passages.
    • Mucosal irritation releases inflammatory substances, dilating blood vessels in the nasal sinuses, leading to congestion.
    • Viral infections are typically treated symptomatically. There are currently no effective antiviral therapies available for the common cold.

    Antihistamines

    • Antihistamines effectively block the actions of histamine but cannot reverse them.
    • Antihistamines compete with histamine for binding at unoccupied histamine (H1) receptors.
    • To be effective, the antihistamine must be present in a higher concentration than histamine.
    • Antihistamines should be administered early in treatment to prevent histamine binding.
    • Antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which causes inflammation of the nasal passages due to an allergic reaction.
    • Antihistamines can be used to help prevent and treat motion sickness.
    • Some antihistamines may be used to manage the tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
    • Antihistamines can help to relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, and swelling.

    Nasal Decongestants

    • Nasal decongestants target blood vessels surrounding nasal sinuses, including the lining of the nose and sinuses.
    • Adrenergic decongestants stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction and shrinkage of swollen tissues, enhancing drainage.
    • Nasal steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation by inhibiting immune system cells.
    • Nasal decongestants are commonly used to relieve nasal congestion associated with acute rhinitis, often called the common cold.
    • They are also helpful for chronic rhinitis, a condition that causes long-term nasal congestion and inflammation.
    • Nasal decongestants are often employed to alleviate sinus congestion and pressure related to sinusitis.
    • They can be used to reduce nasal swelling before procedures like surgery or nasal endoscopy.

    Antitussives

    • Antitussives are drugs used to stop or reduce coughing.
    • Antitussives are categorized as either opioid or nonopioid.
    • Opioid antitussives suppress the cough reflex by acting directly on the cough center in the medulla.
    • Nonopioid antitussives work by suppressing the cough reflex in the brainstem.
    • Antitussives can be used in cases where coughing is harmful, like with certain respiratory conditions.

    Expectorants

    • Expectorants are medications used to thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up.
    • This helps to clear the airways.
    • Expectorants are commonly used for productive coughs.
    • They are less helpful for non-productive coughs.
    • Expectorants are commonly used for respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and the common cold.

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    NURS 125 Chapter 36 Student Notes PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores empiric therapy for the common cold, emphasizing the differentiation between viral and bacterial causes. It also covers the role of histamine in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, detailing receptor sites and symptomatology. Test your knowledge on these critical concepts in pharmacology and allergology.

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