Cough and congestion

Question 1

In what conditions might aromatic inhalations be used?

Answer 1

Rhinitis or Sinusitis

Question 2

Why can cough suppressants be harmful in bronchitis and patients with bronchiesctasis?

Answer 2

They can cause sputum retention

Question 3

Dextromethorphan and Pholcodine and examples of what?

Answer 3

Cough suppressants

Question 4

What medication can be used to control cough in terminal lung cancer

Answer 4

Morphine (previously methadone / diamorphine were used)

Question 5

What is the action of a Demulcent?

Answer 5

Soothing action, often contain glycerol or syrup

Question 6

What demulcents can be used to relieve cough?

Answer 6

Simple linctus / paediatric simple linctus

Question 7

What is the action of an expectorant?

Answer 7

To expel bronchial secretion

Question 8

Example of an expectorant?

Answer 8

Guaifenesin

Question 9

What age should compound cough medications not be sold to?

Answer 9

< 6 years

Question 10

What is the advantage of using nasal decongestants by mouth?

Answer 10

They do not cause rebound nasal congestion

Question 11

Whast age is the use of vapour rubs not advised?

Answer 11

< 3 months

Question 12

What is the preferred medication for young infants whom nasal obstruction with mucus is a problem

Answer 12

Saline 0.9% drops

Question 13

What age should codeine be avoided?

Answer 13

<12

Question 14

What metabolic condition must codeine not be used in?

Answer 14

CYP2D6 rapid metabolisers

Question 15

What age must Dextromethorphan not be used in?

Answer 15

<12

Question 16

The MHRA alert for cough medicines states children should not be given OTC medicines containing which 4 drug classes?

Answer 16

1) Expectorants
2) Antihistamines
3) Cough suppressants
4) Decongestants

Question 17

How many days should treatment be restricted to following sale of OTC cough medications to children age 6 - 12?

Answer 17

5 days