Cough Flashcards
Duration of cough
Acute - < 2 weeks
Prolonged (in children) - 2-4 weeks
Chronic (in children) - persisting for > 4 weeks
Chronic (in adults) - persisting for > 8 weeks
Medications that can cause a cough
Beta blocker
Amiodarone
Methotrexate
Leflunomide
Nitrofurantoin
Ribavirin
Respiratory irritants
Cause: Common cold
Mild dry cough with little sputum.
Other symptoms: sore throat, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, fever
Cause: Acute bronchitis
Persistent: may be dry or productive (may take 2-3 weeks to subside)
Other symptoms:
Fever may be present
Can proceed with common cold.
Influenza
Initially dry, then persistent, raspy and productive (can last for days to week)
Other symptoms:
Fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Sore throat
Rhinorrhoea
Chronic: chronic bronchitis
Persistent and productive
Worsening dyspnoea
When to refer
Unexplained cough persisting for >2 weeks
Haemoptysis
Dyspnoea
Systemic symptoms - weight loss fever
Wheeze
Chest pain
Antiussives
Pholcodine, dextromethorphan, dihydrocodeine.
Dry cough, short term relief
Avoid for asthma and COPD
Safe for pregnancy
Breastfeeding will need to monitor
Bivsolon dry/ Robitussin dry cough forte
Antitussive (dextromethorphan)
Adult oral 30mg (10ml) every 6-8 hours.
6-12 child - 5ml
Max 120mg daily
Drowsiness, constipation, nausea and vomiting
Rikodeine
Opioid cough antiussives (dihydrocodeine)
Adult oral 5-10mL every 4-6 hours
Safe for pregnant
Breastfeeding - monitor baby
No recommended for kids under 12.
Those 12-18 do not use if respiratory function is compromised
Not for productive cough
Expectorants
Increase volume and reduce viscosity of sputum, facilitating removal by ciliary transport and coughing.
Guaifenesin - safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Senega and ammonia mixture - not safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side effects: nausea and vomiting
Mucolytics
Reduce mucus viscosity and facilitate expulsion of thick mucus secretions.
Bromhexine
Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding
Do not use in chronic bronchitis and COPD
Bisolvon Chesty
Bromhexine
Adult oral 1 tablet, three times daily
Children older than 6, 8mg three times daily
Demulcents
Forms a film over mucous membrane relieving irritation that causes coughing
Honey
Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding
Non-pharmacological
Inhale steam
Drink warm drinks and plenty of water
Avoid exposure to cold, dry air and respiratory irritants
Minimise use of voice
Avoid throat clearing.
