L11 - Minor ailments of Respiratory System Flashcards

1
Q

What are the symptoms of common cold?

A
  • Gradual onset of symptoms - tingling in nose/throat/eyes

-Rhinorrhoea (runny nose) - maybe sneezing

  • Nasal congestion
  • Low-grade fever if present (children)
  • Body aches + fatigue
  • Cough may develop
  • Sore/inflamed throat
  • Can lead to mild inner ear infections
  • Runs its course in approx. 1 week
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2
Q

What are the symptoms of influenza?

A
  • Faster onset of symptoms
  • Higher + sustained fever
  • Body aches + fatigue + sore throat + cough – more severe than common cold
  • Symptoms persist for 2 weeks or more
  • Can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis + secondary infections
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3
Q

Who fits under high-risk groups for flu?

A
  • Under 5 yrs
  • Over 65 yrs
  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Immunocompromised
  • Diabetes – make sure sugar-free meds)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Renal failure
  • They should be referred to GPif worsening of their conditions
  • Hypertension / CV / Diabetes – avoid sympathomimetics (oral or nasal decongestants)
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4
Q

When should a pharmacist refer to GP for colds/flu?

A
  • Prolonged severe symptoms relating to cough, sputum volume/colour, breathlessness, fever, general malaise
  • Worsening of asthma / COPD
  • Earache (Utilities media) - common in children
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5
Q

OTC for common cold - aches, pains, fever, shivers

A
  • Paracetamol – dose regulations for children (+2 months)
  • Ibuprofen (NSAID) – dose regulations for children (+3 months)
  • Aspirin (NSAID) – for 16+ yrs in adults only (not for children)
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6
Q

OTC for common cold - runny nose or sneezing

A

Antihistamines:
- Cetirizine
- Fexofenadine
- Loratadine

  • Care should be exercised in patients with:
  • Glaucoma
  • Men with enlarged prostrate
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7
Q

OTC for common cold - nasal congestion

A

Systemic sympathomimetics:
- Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray (Xylometazoline hydrochloride)

  • Care should be exercised in patients with:
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
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8
Q

OTC for common cold - coughcough

A
  • All are largely placebo effects!

Expectorant — to loosen phlegm/catarrh:
- Guaifenesin - BENELYN
- Ipecacuanha -Bell’s Chesty Cough Oral Solution

Suppressant — to surpress cough:
- Pholcodine - Codeine linctus
- Dextromethorphan - Robitussin Dry Cough Medicine

Demulcents — soothing inflamed throat:
- Simple linctus
- Simple linctus Paediatric
- Lozenges
- Gargle with soluble aspirin (if appropriate)

Inhalants: menthol, eucalyptus, pine oil, camphor

Vitamin C (stimulation of immune system)

Echinacea (supports body’s immune system)

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9
Q

What are the danger symptoms for sore/inflamed throat?

A
  • Difficulty swallowing food + liquid (sharp feeling)
  • Large tender lymph nodes in neck
  • Ulceration in mouth area
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10
Q

OTC for common cold - sore/inflamed throat

A
  • Analgesic: ibuprofen, aspirin (adults or children)
  • Antibacterial agent: chlorhexidine, tyrothicrin
  • Anaesthetic agent: benzocaine, lidocaine
  • Anti-inflammatory agent: benzydamine (Difflam)
  • Demulcents: Glycerol
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11
Q

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

A
  • Red, itchy, watery eyes
  • Congestion, sneezing, runny nose
  • Itchy or sore throat, post-nasal drip, coughing
  • If severe - throat or palate or ears may be affected
  • Symptoms worse - late morning and early evening — lasts whole season (March-Oct)
  • REFER - if breathing affected or wheezing
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12
Q

OTC for hay fever

A

Oral anti-histamines:
- Sedating –> chlorphenamine
- Less-sedating –> cetirizine, loratadine, acrivastine
(more effective if started before symptoms appear - advised to take one daily in morning throughout season)

Antihistamine eyes drops:
- Antazoline sulphate - Vasocon-A
- Xylometazoline - Otrivin (vasoconstrictor)
(combination often used for intermittent symptoms)

Topical corticosteroid (nasal spray):
- Beclometasone, fluticasone, triamcinolone
(For only +18 yrs, use regularly as takes few days for effect)

Mast cell stabiliser:
- Sodium cromoglicate - as nasal spray or eye drops
(use regularly as takes few days for effect)

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13
Q

What non-drug advice can be given for hay fever?

A
  • Keep windows + doors closed, especially early evening
  • Check pollen count - stay inside when very high
  • Avoid cutting grass
  • Wear wrap around sun glasses
  • Avoid hanging washing out on high pollen count days
  • Smear vaseline around the inside edges of nostrils - stop pollen going through
  • Prepare in advance of the season (if you know your pattern)
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