Cough Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a cough?
A reflex response to airway irritation.
How is cough classified based on duration?
Acute: Less than 3 weeks
Sub-acute: 3–8 weeks
Chronic: More than 8 weeks
What is the most common cause of acute cough?
Viral upper respiratory tract infection.
Name other causes of acute cough.
Acute bronchitis, pneumonia, exacerbations of asthma/COPD/bronchiectasis, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism.
What are the most common causes of chronic cough?
Smoking, ACE inhibitors, upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, GERD, eosinophilic bronchitis.
How long can an acute cough persist?
Up to 3–4 weeks.
What self-care options are recommended for acute cough?
Paracetamol/ibuprofen, possibly honey, guaifenesin, or cough suppressants.
When should someone with acute cough seek further medical advice?
If symptoms worsen, last beyond 3–4 weeks, or they become very unwell.
When are antibiotics recommended for acute cough?
If the person is systemically very unwell or at higher risk of complications.
First-line antibiotic for acute cough in someone systemically unwell?
Doxycycline (200 mg day 1, then 100 mg daily for 4 days).
What treatments are considered for post-infectious cough - type of sub acute cough?
Inhaled ipratropium, inhaled corticosteroids, oral prednisolone (short-term), centrally acting antitussives (codeine, dextromethorphan).
What is the first step in managing chronic cough?
Treat the most likely underlying cause with a trial approach.
What is the treatment for upper airway cough syndrome (post-nasal drip)?
Antihistamines (e.g., chlorphenamine), decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), avoid triggers.
What additional treatments are given if sinusitis or rhinitis coexist?
Sinusitis: Intranasal corticosteroids or antibiotics.
Rhinitis: Intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, or sodium cromoglicate (anti allergics usually eye drops).
What are treatment options for chronic refractory cough?
Low-dose morphine (5–10 mg twice daily), gabapentin, or speech and language therapy.
What does white sputum usually indicate?
Normal, allergies, or viral infection.
What does yellow sputum typically suggest?
Developing an infection.
What does green sputum indicate?
Viral or bacterial infection.
What does brown sputum mean?
Dried blood or heavy smoking.
What does red sputum signify?
Bleeding in the respiratory tract.
