Managing Respiratory Problems

Question 1

WHAT CONDITIONS MAY BE PRESENTED TO YOU BY A PATIENT IN A COMMUNITY PHARMACY?

Answer 1

Coughs

Sore throats

Colds

Allergic rhinitis

Question 2

COUGHS- CAUSES

• Bacterial or viral infections
• _
• Post nasal drip

Answer 2

Allergies

Question 3

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS AND REFERRAL

May indicate a more serious condition:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Coloured sputum (yellow/green) and systemically unwell
• _ stained sputum
• Cough lasting longer than _ weeks
• Pain on _
• Chest pain- RED FLAG
• Dry/night-time cough (especially in children)

Answer 3

Blood

3

Inspiration

Question 4

WHAT ARE THE THREE TYPES OF DRUGS AVAILABLE TO TREAT COUGHS SPECIFICALLY, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Answer 4

Expectorants (lacking evidence)- Aims to remove mucus from chest and airways, e.g. Benylin chesty

Suppressants- Suppresses cough, e.g. Robitussin dry

Demulcents- Coats the pharynx so prevents coughing e.g. simple linctus.

Question 5

COUGH (ACUTE): ANTIMICROBIAL PRESCRIBING

Question 6

PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO TREATING

1. Rule out serious conditions (based on patient history, co-morbidities etc).
2. Ask if the patient has tried anything
3. Offer self-help
4. If homely remedies have been tried, ask if the patient wants treatment (product choice is dependent on patient).