Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the mechanism of cough stimulation in the body?
What is the mechanism of cough stimulation in the body?
- Activation of stretch receptors in the lungs (correct)
- Increased secretion of lung secretions
- Stimulation of visual cortex
- Inhibition of diaphragmatic muscles
What is the primary goal of treating a cough?
What is the primary goal of treating a cough?
- Encourage dehydration
- Induce complications
- Reduce cough episodes and severity (correct)
- Increase the number and severity of cough episodes
Which self-care method is recommended for reducing throat irritation?
Which self-care method is recommended for reducing throat irritation?
- Using non-medicated lozenges (correct)
- Avoiding hydration
- Increasing caffeine intake
- Reducing humidity
How can humidification help in managing a cough?
How can humidification help in managing a cough?
What can steam inhalations help with in relation to coughs?
What can steam inhalations help with in relation to coughs?
What type of preparation can be added to steam inhalations to enhance their effectiveness?
What type of preparation can be added to steam inhalations to enhance their effectiveness?
What is the most common cause of acute cough lasting less than 3 weeks?
What is the most common cause of acute cough lasting less than 3 weeks?
Which condition is associated with unproductive cough (dry, tickly or tight) that is self-limiting?
Which condition is associated with unproductive cough (dry, tickly or tight) that is self-limiting?
What leads to productive (chesty or loose) cough?
What leads to productive (chesty or loose) cough?
What is a classical symptom of Tuberculosis associated with chronic cough, haemoptysis, fever, and night sweats?
What is a classical symptom of Tuberculosis associated with chronic cough, haemoptysis, fever, and night sweats?
Which condition may be revealed in patient history as being treated with antibiotics and is associated with chronic cough?
Which condition may be revealed in patient history as being treated with antibiotics and is associated with chronic cough?
What causes non-colored (clear or whitish) sputum in a cough?
What causes non-colored (clear or whitish) sputum in a cough?
What is a potential cause of coughing that may be asymptomatic apart from persistent coughing?
What is a potential cause of coughing that may be asymptomatic apart from persistent coughing?
In which situation should a referral be made for further investigation?
In which situation should a referral be made for further investigation?
What family history may suggest a predisposition to extended episodes of coughing after respiratory tract infections?
What family history may suggest a predisposition to extended episodes of coughing after respiratory tract infections?
What behavior is likely to exacerbate coughing and be related to irritating the lungs?
What behavior is likely to exacerbate coughing and be related to irritating the lungs?
What symptom is associated with acid reflux besides coughing?
What symptom is associated with acid reflux besides coughing?
When is the pharmacist recommended to provide health education advice about smoking cessation?
When is the pharmacist recommended to provide health education advice about smoking cessation?
What is the recommended age for children to use Dextromethorphan?
What is the recommended age for children to use Dextromethorphan?
Which antitussive acts centrally on the medulla to increase the cough threshold?
Which antitussive acts centrally on the medulla to increase the cough threshold?
What is the lethal dose range of codeine in adults?
What is the lethal dose range of codeine in adults?
Which antitussive is considered approximately equipotent with codeine?
Which antitussive is considered approximately equipotent with codeine?
What risk is associated with the concomitant use of codeine and CNS depressants?
What risk is associated with the concomitant use of codeine and CNS depressants?
Which antitussive combination may cause serotonergic syndrome?
Which antitussive combination may cause serotonergic syndrome?
What is the recommended waiting period before taking dextromethorphan after discontinuing MAOI?
What is the recommended waiting period before taking dextromethorphan after discontinuing MAOI?
Which antihistamine is known for its significant sedating and anticholinergic properties?
Which antihistamine is known for its significant sedating and anticholinergic properties?
Which type of cough treatment is now recommended for children under 6 years old?
Which type of cough treatment is now recommended for children under 6 years old?
What is the main function of guaifenesin as an expectorant?
What is the main function of guaifenesin as an expectorant?
Which of the following is true about demulcents used in cough treatment?
Which of the following is true about demulcents used in cough treatment?
How do camphor and menthol act as topical antitussives?
How do camphor and menthol act as topical antitussives?
Study Notes
Cough Mechanism
- Cough stimulation occurs through mechano-or chemoreceptors in the throat, respiratory passages, or stretch receptors in the lungs
- Afferent impulses are sent to the cough center in the medulla, which then sends efferent impulses via parasympathetic and motor nerves to the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and lungs
- This results in increased contraction of the diaphragmatic, abdominal, and intercostal muscles
Goals of Treatment
- Reduce the number and severity of cough episodes
- Prevent complications
- Treat the underlying disorder to stop the cause of the cough
Non-Pharmacological Treatment
- Using non-medicated lozenges to reduce throat irritation
- Hydration and humidification to increase moisture in inspired air and soothe irritated airways
- Treating the underlying cause of the cough
Practical Points
- Steam inhalations can be useful in liquefying lung secretions and providing comfort
- Adding menthol and eucalyptus inhalant to hot water can provide further symptom relief
Underlying Causes of Cough
- Asthma: recurrent night-time cough, especially in children
- Cardiovascular: coughing can be a symptom of heart failure
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux: can cause coughing, especially at night
Significance of Questions and Answers
- Previous history of smoking habit: exacerbates cough and can cause coughing
- Family history of eczema, hay fever, and asthma: increases the risk of extended episodes of coughing
Treatment of Cough
- Diphenhydramine: acts centrally in the medulla to increase the cough threshold, but potentiates the depressant effects of narcotics, sedatives, and alcohol
- Demulcents (e.g., glycerine, lemon, and honey): provide a soothing effect, but do not contain active ingredients
- Protussives (e.g., guaifenesin): increase the volume and reduce the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi
Topical Antitussives
- Camphor and menthol: stimulate sensory nerve endings in the nose, creating a local anesthetic sensation and sense of improved airflow
Types of Cough
- Acute (duration < 3 weeks): commonly caused by viral URTI or common cold
- Subacute (duration of 3-8 weeks): commonly caused by bacterial sinusitis or asthma
- Chronic (duration > 8 weeks): commonly caused by UACS, COPD, or GERD
Nature of Cough
- Unproductive (dry, tickly, or tight) cough: no sputum is produced, usually caused by viral infection
- Productive (chesty or loose) cough: sputum is produced, may be caused by irritation of the airways due to infection, allergy, etc.
Antitussive Drugs
- Codeine: acts centrally on the medulla to increase the cough threshold, but has low toxicity and little risk of addiction
- Dextromethorphan: considered approximately equipotent with codeine, but has no analgesic, sedative, respiratory depressant, or addictive properties at usual antitussive doses
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Description
This quiz covers different types of cough including acute, subacute, and chronic, along with their common causes such as viral URTI, bacterial sinusitis, asthma, UACS, COPD, and GERD. Test your knowledge on the significance, nature, and characteristics of various types of cough.
