OTC 1

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Questions and Answers

What are the common signs and symptoms of a common cold?

Fever, chills, and muscle weakness

Runny/blocked nose, cough, sore throat, aches and pains (correct)

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Skin rash, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes

What is the usual duration of a common cold?

7-10 days (correct)

3-5 days

1-2 days

14-21 days

How is a common cold generally transmitted?

Through contact with contaminated surfaces

Via the inhalation of infected droplets through the mouth or nose (correct)

Through the consumption of contaminated food or water

Through sexual contact

What is the main difference between a common cold and influenza (flu)?

The severity of symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a red flag symptom for a common cold?

Fatigue and muscle pain Signup and view all the answers

When should a pharmacist consider referring a patient with symptoms of a common cold to a healthcare professional?

When there is suspicion of influenza (flu) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of coughs according to the text?

Inflammation of the airway Signup and view all the answers

How long should a cough last before it is considered a red flag/referral symptom according to the text?

More than 14 days Signup and view all the answers

What type of cough does not involve phlegm production according to the text?

Non-productive/dry Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of expectorants according to the text?

To facilitate expulsion of bronchial secretions Signup and view all the answers

Which OTC treatment is recommended for relieving irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film?

Demulcents Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested maximum duration for using decongestant nasal sprays or drops according to the text?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

Which suppressant has been shown to suppress the cough reflex without the adverse effects of codeine and pholcodine according to the text?

Dextromethorphan Signup and view all the answers

Which OTC treatment is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities according to the text?

Analgesics Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum adult dose of paracetamol that can be taken in any 24hr period according to the text?

1000mg Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger associated with using local anaesthetics for longer than five days according to the text?

Sensitivity reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement for licensing of throat spray?

12 years old Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is typically associated with non-ulcer dyspepsia?

Burning discomfort/pain in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the most effective treatment for heartburn?

Proton pump inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of proton pump inhibitors?

Blocking the hydrogen potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of constipation?

Sedentary lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of laxative acts by retaining water in the gut and increasing faecal mass?

Bulk forming Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of bulk-forming laxatives?

Bloating and flatulence Signup and view all the answers

Which laxative is licensed for use in babies?

Lactulose Signup and view all the answers

'Coffee grounds' in vomit is a red flag/referral symptom for which condition?

(Gastro-intestinal) bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What do alginates form on the stomach contents, providing symptomatic relief of reflux and protecting the oesophageal mucosa?

A 'raft' Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is a red flag/referral symptom for constipation?

Pain on defecation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of laxative acts by stimulating colonic nerves to increase intestinal motility?

Stimulant laxatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual timeframe within which stool softeners like docusate and glycerol take effect?

8 to 12 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is defined as an increased frequency of bowel evacuation, with the passage of abnormally soft or watery faeces?

Diarrhoea Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for diarrhoea?

Passing little urine and confusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of treatment for diarrhoea?

Electrolyte and fluid replacement Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the standard treatment for acute diarrhoea in babies and young children?

Oral rehydration sachets Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drug helps reduce the duration of diarrhoea and improves symptoms?

Anti-motility drugs (e.g. loperamide, imodium) Signup and view all the answers

What is the general advice for managing diarrhoea?

Drink plenty of normal drinks if possible and eat as normally as possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using oral rehydration sachets for diarrhoea?

To replace lost fluids and electrolytes Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs of dehydration that indicate a need for specialist advice?

Cool hands or feet and sunken fontanelle in babies/young infants Signup and view all the answers

Which type of laxative helps in reducing surface tension and increasing penetration of intestinal fluids into the faeces?

Stool softeners Signup and view all the answers

Which group of drugs is considered useful in some adults and older children for the management of diarrhoea?

Anti-diarrhoeals (antimotility drugs) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a red flag symptom for a common cold?

Cough persisting for more than 7 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual duration of a common cold?

7-10 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of coughs according to the text?

Viral upper respiratory tract infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger associated with using local anaesthetics for longer than five days according to the text?

Nerve damage Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the standard treatment for acute diarrhoea in babies and young children?

Rehydration therapy Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs of dehydration that indicate a need for specialist advice?

Decreased urine output and sunken fontanelle in infants Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of non-ulcer dyspepsia?

Reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum age for licensing of throat spray?

12 years Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is generally accepted as the most effective treatment for heartburn?

Proton pump inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates a red flag/referral for constipation?

Change in bowel habit for more than 2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which laxative acts by retaining water in the gut and increasing faecal mass?

Bulk-forming laxatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the action of alginates in providing symptomatic relief of reflux and protecting the oesophageal mucosa?

Forming a 'raft' on the stomach contents Signup and view all the answers

Which advice is recommended for managing constipation?

Drink eight glasses of fluid a day Signup and view all the answers

What is the main mechanism of action of proton pump inhibitors?

Inhibiting gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of constipation?

Poor fibre intake Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger symptom associated with constipation?

Blood in the stools Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the general pieces of advice for managing gastro-intestinal minor ailments like dyspepsia?

Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of heartburn as described in the text?

Reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus, particularly acid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a red flag symptom for a cough, according to the text?

Pain upon swallowing Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration for using decongestant nasal sprays or drops, as recommended in the text?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cough involves phlegm production, according to the text?

Productive/chesty Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger associated with using local anaesthetics for longer than five days, according to the text?

Tissue necrosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of sore throats, as mentioned in the text?

Acute upper respiratory tract infection Signup and view all the answers

Which OTC treatment is recommended for relieving irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film?

Demulcents Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of treatment for acute diarrhoea, according to the text?

Rehydration with oral rehydration sachets Signup and view all the answers

Which suppressant has been shown to suppress the cough reflex without the adverse effects of codeine and pholcodine, according to the text?

Dextromethorphan Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the standard treatment for acute diarrhoea in babies and young children, according to the text?

Rehydration with oral rehydration sachets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of expectorants, as mentioned in the text?

To facilitate expectoration of bronchial secretions Signup and view all the answers

What are the common signs and symptoms of a common cold, as mentioned in the text?

Pain in back of the throat and swollen lymph glands Signup and view all the answers

What condition is defined as an increased frequency of bowel evacuation, with the passage of abnormally soft or watery faeces?

Diarrhoea Signup and view all the answers

Which type of laxative acts by stimulating colonic nerves to increase intestinal motility?

Stimulant laxatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard treatment for acute diarrhoea in babies and young children?

Oral rehydration sachets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger associated with frequent use of stimulant laxatives such as senna and bisacodyl?

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is a red flag/referral symptom for diarrhoea?

Persistent vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of treatment for diarrhoea according to the text?

Electrolyte and fluid replacement Signup and view all the answers

What are the common red flag/referral symptoms for diarrhoea as mentioned in the text?

Sunken fontanelle in babies/young infants, blood or mucus in the stools Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of coughs according to the text?

Viral infections Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag symptoms for a common cold?

Fever, chest pain, shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum duration for using decongestant nasal sprays or drops?

3 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism through which alginates provide symptomatic relief of reflux and protect the oesophageal mucosa?

Forming a protective barrier on the stomach contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger associated with prolonged use of local anaesthetics?

Risk of sensitization or allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag symptoms for diarrhoea?

Blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of heartburn, as described in the text?

Reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for a cough?

Wheezing/Shortness of breath, Pain on breathing, Coughing up blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the action of decongestants in treating common respiratory minor ailments?

Constricting the dilated blood vessels in the nasal mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of sore throats according to the text?

Acute upper respiratory tract infection Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for a sore throat?

Difficulty in swallowing, Fever lasting longer than 14 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum recommended duration for using decongestant nasal sprays or drops?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended age for licensing of decongestant tablets?

12 years and above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of expectorants in treating common respiratory minor ailments?

To facilitate expulsion of bronchial secretions Signup and view all the answers

What are the common self-limiting categories of coughs?

Productive/chesty, Non-productive/dry Signup and view all the answers

What are the common OTC treatments for common respiratory minor ailments?

Decongestants, Expectorants, Suppressants, Demulcents, Analgesics Signup and view all the answers

What advice is recommended for managing common respiratory minor ailments such as coughs and sore throats?

Stop smoking, Practice hand hygiene, Consider flu vaccination Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger associated with using local anaesthetics for longer than five days?

Increased risk of sensitivity reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum adult dose of paracetamol in any 24-hour period?

1000mg Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for constipation?

Blood in the stools, pain on defecation with abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating, unexplained weight loss, failed treatment, change in bowel habit of more than 2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for dyspepsia?

Gastro-intestinal bleeding ('coffee grounds' in vomit), black/tarry stools, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), progressive unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, severe pain, pain radiating to other areas of the body (e.g. arm), failed treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum age for licensing of throat spray?

12 years old and above Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of licensed use for omeprazole for short-term relief of reflux?

4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of licensed use for esomeprazole for the treatment of reflux?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of non-ulcer dyspepsia?

Reflux of gastric contents, particularly acid, into the oesophagus, which irritate the sensitive mucosal surface Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for a cough?

Pain on coughing, cough lasting more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood, persistent unexplained cough, persistent unexplained breathlessness, unexplained weight loss, persistent chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What are the red flag/referral symptoms for diarrhoea?

Blood in the stools, severe dehydration, fever, recent travel to high-risk areas, persistent diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain or tenderness, a weakened immune system, persistent vomiting, weight loss, persistent unexplained symptoms, failed treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum adult dose of paracetamol that can be taken in any 24-hour period according to the text?

Eight 500mg tablets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of sore throats as mentioned in the text?

Irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of proton pump inhibitors?

Inhibit gastric acid secretion by blocking the hydrogen potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (the proton pump) of the gastric parietal cell Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most effective treatment for heartburn?

Proton pump inhibitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of treatment for acute diarrhoea according to the text?

Electrolyte and fluid replacement Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger symptom associated with constipation?

Persistent vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using oral rehydration sachets for diarrhoea?

Rehydration Signup and view all the answers

What are the common red flag/referral symptoms for diarrhoea as mentioned in the text?

Drowsiness or confusion, signs of dehydration, blood or mucus in the stools, lasting longer than 3 days in adults Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs of dehydration that indicate a need for specialist advice?

Passing little urine, dry mouth and tongue, cool hands or feet, sunken fontanelle in babies/young infants Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the standard treatment for acute diarrhoea in babies and young children?

Oral rehydration sachets Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drug helps reduce the duration of diarrhoea and improves symptoms?

Anti-motility drugs (e.g. loperamide, imodium) Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is a red flag/referral symptom for constipation?

Persistent vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the general advice for managing diarrhoea?

Drink plenty of normal drinks if possible, eat as normally as possible, ideally include fruit juices and soups, always wash hands after going to the toilet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of coughs according to the text?

Viral or bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What do alginates form on the stomach contents, providing symptomatic relief of reflux and protecting the oesophageal mucosa?

A gel Signup and view all the answers

What condition is defined as an increased frequency of bowel evacuation, with the passage of abnormally soft or watery faeces?

Diarrhoea Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Cold

Signs and symptoms of a common cold include nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and mild headaches.
Duration of a common cold typically lasts about one to two weeks but can vary.
Common colds are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing or via contact with contaminated surfaces.
The main difference between a common cold and influenza (flu) is the severity of symptoms, with flu symptoms being more intense and often including high fever and body aches.
Non-red flag symptoms for a common cold often include mild nasal congestion and low fever.

Symptoms and Referral

Referral to a healthcare professional should be considered for patients with persistent high fever, shortness of breath, or symptoms lasting longer than ten days.
Primary cause of coughs is often viral infections, allergies, or irritants in the environment.
A cough lasting longer than three weeks is considered a red flag for referral.
A dry cough does not involve phlegm production.

Treatments and Dosage

Expectorants are used to thin mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the respiratory tract.
OTC treatments for mucous membrane irritation include products that form a protective film in the mouth.
Suggested maximum duration for decongestant nasal sprays is three days to prevent rebound congestion.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that effectively suppresses the cough reflex without the adverse effects associated with codeine and pholcodine.
Paracetamol is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory with analgesic and antipyretic properties, with a maximum adult dose of 4 grams in any 24-hour period.
Using local anesthetics for more than five days can lead to tissue damage.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Treatments

Non-ulcer dyspepsia symptoms include stomach pain and bloating.
Proton pump inhibitors are effective for treating heartburn by inhibiting gastric acid production.
Common causes of constipation often involve inadequate fiber intake and dehydration.
Bulk-forming laxatives retain water in the gut and increase fecal mass, while stimulants enhance intestinal motility.
Side effects of bulk-forming laxatives can include abdominal cramping and bloating.
Laxatives such as lactulose are licensed for use in infants.

Diarrhea

"Coffee grounds" in vomit can indicate serious conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding.
Alginates form a protective gel on stomach contents, alleviating reflux.
Red flag symptoms for constipation include severe abdominal pain or blood in stools.
Diarrhea is defined as increased frequency of bowel movements with the passage of watery faeces.
Standard treatment for acute diarrhea in children includes rehydration therapies.
Oral rehydration sachets replenish lost fluids and electrolytes during diarrhea episodes.

Key Advice and Warning Signs

Signs of dehydration warrant immediate medical advice and include dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness.
Laxatives that lower surface tension help fluids penetrate harder stools.
Antidiarrheal medications can shorten the duration of diarrhea and alleviate symptoms.
Managing diarrhea includes maintaining hydration and a bland diet.
Red flag symptoms for diarrhea involve high fever, blood in stools, or severe dehydration.
Common self-limiting coughs often include viral or allergic coughs which typically resolve on their own.

Variations in Symptoms

Symptoms that require further referral for a sore throat include difficulty swallowing or severe throat pain.
Maximum adult dosage of paracetamol remains at 4 grams per day.
Awareness of alternative causes of digestive issues such as heartburn and dyspepsia improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

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Description

Test your knowledge of gastrointestinal minor ailments symptoms with this quiz. Explore the causes, signs, and symptoms of dyspepsia, including the discomfort felt in the stomach and the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.