Types of Cough and Common Causes Quiz

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

Using non-medicated lozenges (correct)

Avoiding hydration

Increasing caffeine intake

Reducing humidity

How can humidification help in managing a cough?

By soothing irritated air passages Signup and view all the answers

What can steam inhalations help with in relation to coughs?

Liquefy lung secretions Signup and view all the answers

What type of preparation can be added to steam inhalations to enhance their effectiveness?

Eucalyptus inhalant Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of acute cough lasting less than 3 weeks?

Common cold Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with unproductive cough (dry, tickly or tight) that is self-limiting?

Atypical bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What leads to productive (chesty or loose) cough?

Allergy Signup and view all the answers

What is a classical symptom of Tuberculosis associated with chronic cough, haemoptysis, fever, and night sweats?

Chesty cough Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may be revealed in patient history as being treated with antibiotics and is associated with chronic cough?

COPD Signup and view all the answers

What causes non-colored (clear or whitish) sputum in a cough?

In smokers when cilia are not working properly Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of coughing that may be asymptomatic apart from persistent coughing?

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Signup and view all the answers

In which situation should a referral be made for further investigation?

Recurrent night-time cough in children Signup and view all the answers

What family history may suggest a predisposition to extended episodes of coughing after respiratory tract infections?

History of asthma Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is likely to exacerbate coughing and be related to irritating the lungs?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is associated with acid reflux besides coughing?

Wheezing Signup and view all the answers

When is the pharmacist recommended to provide health education advice about smoking cessation?

When the cough is persistent and recurrent Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended age for children to use Dextromethorphan?

6 years and over Signup and view all the answers

Which antitussive acts centrally on the medulla to increase the cough threshold?

Codeine Signup and view all the answers

What is the lethal dose range of codeine in adults?

0.5 - 1 gm Signup and view all the answers

Which antitussive is considered approximately equipotent with codeine?

Dextromethorphan Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with the concomitant use of codeine and CNS depressants?

Respiratory depression Signup and view all the answers

Which antitussive combination may cause serotonergic syndrome?

Dextromethorphan and MAOIs Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended waiting period before taking dextromethorphan after discontinuing MAOI?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

Which antihistamine is known for its significant sedating and anticholinergic properties?

Diphenhydramine Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cough treatment is now recommended for children under 6 years old?

Demulcents Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of guaifenesin as an expectorant?

Thin and increase volume of secretions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about demulcents used in cough treatment?

Useful for their soothing effect Signup and view all the answers

How do camphor and menthol act as topical antitussives?

Create local anesthetic sensation Signup and view all the answers

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.