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cough
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the two main cough types? | Productive (“wet”) and nonproductive (“dry”). (Like the difference between a dripping faucet and a squeaky hinge.) |
| What does a productive cough indicate? | Mucus or secretions are present; body is trying to clear the airways. (Like your car clearing exhaust through the tailpipe.) |
| What does a nonproductive cough indicate? | No mucus—usually irritation or inflammation. (Like a smoke alarm beeping when there’s no fire.) |
| Define acute, subacute, and chronic cough. | Acute: <3 weeks; Subacute: 3–8 weeks; Chronic: >8 weeks. (Like a guest staying a night, a week, or moving in permanently.) |
| When should a cough NOT be self-treated? | If cough lasts >3 weeks, worsens after 3–5 days, or includes fever ≥100.4°F, blood, shortness of breath, or weight loss. (Like a light that keeps flickering—sign of a wiring problem, not a bad bulb.) |
| Why is cough + fever concerning? | May indicate community-acquired pneumonia. (Like steam coming from your engine—time to see a mechanic.) |
| List other red-flag symptoms requiring referral. | Cyanosis, hemoptysis, night sweats, whooping sound, sudden onset without fever, TB/HIV risk, immunocompromised, chronic disease. (Like multiple warning lights on your dashboard.) |
| Cough in children under what age should not be self-treated? | Under 4 years old. (Like using a grown-up’s medicine on a toddler—not safe.) |
| Primary goal of cough therapy? | Reduce frequency and severity of cough. (Like turning down the volume without muting completely.) |
| Secondary goals of therapy? | Prevent complications such as fatigue, muscle strain, or insomnia. (Like preventing a small leak from flooding the basement.) |
| Non-drug options for cough relief? | Honey, lozenges, humidifiers, saline rinses, hydration, and nasal drainage. (Like cleaning a clogged air filter before using chemicals.) |
| Why avoid honey in children under 1 year? | Risk of botulism. (Like feeding an infant food they can’t digest safely yet.) |
| How does honey help with cough? | May soothe throat and stimulate saliva. (Like coating sandpaper with oil.) |
| How does humidification help cough? | Moist air reduces irritation and loosens mucus. (Like adding steam to soften hard clay.) |
| What type of humidifier is preferred? | Cool-mist, because it avoids burns and limits bacterial growth. (Like a fan instead of a heater for safe cooling.) |
| How to clean a humidifier? | Empty daily and disinfect weekly. (Like cleaning a coffee maker to prevent mold.) |
| What is the correct water for saline nasal irrigation? | Distilled, sterile, or boiled—not tap water. (Like using filtered water for a fish tank.) |
| What is the main oral antitussive schedule category? | As-needed (PRN). (Like taking motion sickness tablets only when traveling.) |
| Codeine mechanism of action? | Acts centrally on the medulla to raise cough threshold. (Like raising the sensitivity on a smoke detector so it doesn’t go off for toast.) |
| When should codeine be avoided? | Respiratory disorders, pregnancy, lactation, or children <18 years old. (Like driving a car with bad brakes—too risky.) |
| Codeine side effects? | Sedation, constipation, dizziness, respiratory depression, abuse potential. (Like using too much brake—stops everything.) |
| Dextromethorphan mechanism? | Same as codeine—acts on cough center without narcotic effects. (Like a “mute button” for cough.) |
| Dextromethorphan onset and duration? | Onset 15–30 min, lasts 3–6 hrs. (Like fast Wi-Fi—quick start but short range.) |
| Dextromethorphan side effects? | Mild drowsiness, nausea, stomach upset, constipation (rare). (Like mild jet lag—slows you down slightly.) |
| Major interactions for dextromethorphan? | MAOIs, SSRIs, CYP2D6 inhibitors → serotonin syndrome risk. (Like combining two playlists at once—chaotic results.) |
| What is “robotripping”? | Abuse of dextromethorphan for hallucinogenic effects. (Like inhaling too much whipped-cream propellant for a “high.”) |
| Diphenhydramine mechanism? | Acts centrally to suppress cough; also antihistaminic and anticholinergic. (Like a sleepy bouncer quieting everything down.) |
| Diphenhydramine common side effects? | Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, paradoxical excitation (kids/elderly). (Like caffeine having the opposite effect in some people.) |
| Who should avoid diphenhydramine? | People with BPH, glaucoma, asthma, or on CNS depressants. (Like not stacking sleep aids with alcohol.) |
| Diphenhydramine dose for adults? | 25 mg every 4 hours (max 150 mg/day). (Like a small cup of coffee spaced throughout the day.) |
| Topical antitussive examples? | Camphor and menthol. (Like cooling gels for muscles but inhaled.) |
| Topical antitussive mechanism? | Inhaled vapors create local anesthetic sensation in nose/mucosa for improved airflow. (Like breathing minty air to “feel” clear even if not.) |
| Topical antitussive side effects? | Skin or eye irritation; burning. (Like touching your eye after handling chili peppers.) |
| Topical antitussive precautions? | Avoid use right before or after hot baths; avoid tight bandages and damaged skin. (Like not applying cologne right after shaving.) |
| Topical antitussive drug interaction? | Menthol may decrease INR in warfarin users. (Like adding sugar that changes the taste of medicine.) |
| Protussive agent name? | Guaifenesin. (Like a “thinner” for mucus paint.) |
| Guaifenesin mechanism? | Loosens and thins lower respiratory secretions for easier cough. (Like adding warm water to loosen hardened syrup.) |
| Guaifenesin side effects? | Nausea, dizziness, headache, rash, stomach pain. (Like a mild sugar crash after candy.) |
| Guaifenesin interactions? | None significant. (Like using plain water—safe with almost everything.) |
| Guaifenesin dosing for adults? | 200–400 mg every 4 hours (max 2.4 g/day). (Like small steady doses of water instead of one flood.) |
| What is the key counseling point for guaifenesin? | Drink plenty of water—it works best with hydration. (Like trying to clean dishes without water—it won’t work.) |
| What evidence exists for guaifenesin efficacy? | Very limited; hydration is often just as effective. (Like paying extra for bottled tap water.) |
| Why limit cough medication use in children under 4? | Higher risk of side effects and accidental overdose. (Like child locks on medicine cabinets for a reason.) |
| What percentage of improvement in cough studies may be placebo effect? | Large—up to 85%. (Like thinking your favorite candy cures a sore throat because it tastes soothing.) |
| General rule for starting treatment? | Always try non-drug options before medication. (Like checking the power cord before replacing your device.) |
| What is the “golden rule” for cough therapy in older adults? | Avoid cough medications when possible; increased risk of side effects and interactions. (Like sensitive electronics—you handle them gently or not at all.) |
| Why avoid codeine and dextromethorphan in older adults? | They are more prone to sedation and falls. (Like slippery floors—more dangerous as you age.) |
| Why avoid diphenhydramine in older adults? | Anticholinergic effects can cause confusion and urinary retention. (Like using the wrong tool that makes the problem worse.) |
| When should patients follow up with a healthcare provider? | If cough worsens, new symptoms appear, or no improvement after 7 days. (Like calling tech support when rebooting doesn’t work.) |
| How long can a mild cough last even after improvement? | 2–4 weeks. (Like an echo that fades slowly but still lingers.) |
| Overall key counseling message for cough management? | Start with honey, humidification, or saline; use OTC drugs only when needed; and know when to seek care. (Like fixing the environment before replacing the part.) |