Cough and Cold

A set of 35 vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about cough and cold treatments.

Common Cold

A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract characterized by pharyngeal and nasal symptoms.

Viral Infection

An infection caused by viruses, which can lead to symptoms like cough, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Cough

A reflex action to clear the airways of mucus and irritants.

Self-care treatment

Management strategies for patients to treat their symptoms without professional medical intervention.

Postnasal Drainage

Draining of mucus from the nasal cavity into the throat, often associated with nasal congestion.

Rhinovirus

The predominant viral agent responsible for the common cold.

Decongestants

Medications used to relieve nasal congestion.

Guaifenesin

An expectorant that helps loosen mucus in the airways.

Antitussives

Medications that suppress coughing.

Nonpharmacologic Therapy

Treatment methods that do not involve medications, such as humidification and hydration.

FDA guidelines for cough medications in children

Nonprescription cough medications should not be used in children younger than 2 years.

Humidifiers

Devices that add moisture to the air, which can help relieve congestion.

COUGH Classification

Classified into productive (with mucus) and nonproductive (dry) types.

Productive Cough

A cough that produces phlegm or sputum.

Nonproductive Cough

A cough that does not produce mucus.

Chronic Cough

A cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks.

Acute Cough

A cough that lasts less than 3 weeks.

Acute Sinusitis

An inflammation of the sinuses that can contribute to cough.

Pathophysiology of cough

The mechanisms that underlie the coughing reflex.

Rhinitis medicamentosa

Rebound congestion from overuse of topical decongestants.

Zinc

A complementary therapy thought to inhibit rhinovirus adhesion.

Honey

Natural remedy safe for children over one year, effective in reducing cough.

Antihistamines

Medications that reduce allergy symptoms, used in cold treatment, but limited efficacy.

Symptoms of cold

Typical presentations include sore throat, cough, nasal obstruction.

Acute bronchitis

An inflammation of the bronchial tubes often associated with coughing.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

Efficacy

The ability of a product to produce a desired effect.

Contraindications

Specific conditions under which a medication should not be used.

Patient referral

The act of directing a patient to a specialist for further evaluation.

Antipyretics

Medications used to reduce fever.

Hydration

The process of maintaining adequate fluid balance in the body.

Nasal saline

A solution used to relieve nasal congestion and drying.

Artificial tear ointments

Used to alleviate dry eyes, can be associated with colds.

Expectorant

A substance which helps bring mucus up from the airways.

Codeine

An opioid used as an antitussive for cough suppression.

Dextromethorphan

A common ingredient in cough syrups acting as a cough suppressant.

Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)

An infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory system, causing cold-like symptoms.