Drugs Used to Treat Upper Respiratory Disease – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, diseases, complications, key drug classes, mechanisms, adverse effects, and nursing considerations related to upper respiratory pharmacology.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Portion of the respiratory system that includes the nose with turbinates, sinuses, nasopharynx, pharynx, tonsils, Eustachian tubes, and larynx.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane caused by colds, bacteria, foreign bodies, or drug-induced congestion.

Allergic Rhinitis

Rhinitis triggered by exposure to allergens (e.g., pollens, dust mites) that release large amounts of histamine.

Rhinitis Medicamentosa

Drug-induced nasal congestion resulting from overuse of topical decongestants; prevention and frequent follow-up are essential.

Common Cold

Viral illness (120–200 subtypes) spread by direct contact or sneezing, producing watery discharge, sneezing, cough, and mild sore throat; usually resolves in 5–7 days.

Sinusitis

Complication of cold viruses in which thick mucus obstructs sinus ducts, causing infection and pressure.

Otitis Media

Infection of the middle ear that may follow a cold virus, especially in children.

Symptom Relief for Colds

Treatment goals include easing symptoms, reducing complications, and preventing viral spread—no cure for the virus itself.

Decongestant

Most effective agent for relieving nasal congestion and rhinorrhea; frequently an alpha-adrenergic stimulant.

Sympathomimetic Decongestant

Drug that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in nasal mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and reduced congestion.

Pseudoephedrine

Oral sympathomimetic decongestant regulated by state laws because it can be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Rebound Congestion

Worsening nasal swelling that follows improper or prolonged use of topical decongestant sprays.

Hypertensive Risk

Serious adverse effect of sympathomimetic decongestants, especially when combined with MAOIs or used in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Histamine

Chemical released from tissue granules during allergic reactions; dilates capillaries and produces runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.

Antihistamine

Drug that competes with histamine for H1-receptor sites to treat allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

H1 Receptor

Site on cells where histamine binds to produce allergic symptoms; target of antihistamine therapy.

Anticholinergic Effects

Side-effects of many antihistamines, including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and thickened respiratory mucus.

Intranasal Corticosteroid

Respiratory anti-inflammatory agent administered into the nostrils to reduce inflammation when antihistamines or decongestants are inadequate.

Respiratory Anti-inflammatory Agents

Category that includes intranasal corticosteroids used to lessen rhinorrhea, itching, and sneezing in allergic rhinitis.

Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom)

Intranasal mast cell stabilizer that prevents histamine release; used with other drugs for severe allergic rhinitis.

Mast Cell Stabilizer

Agent that reduces degranulation of mast cells, thereby limiting release of histamine and other mediators.

Bronchospasm

Serious adverse effect that may follow cromolyn sodium use, characterized by sudden narrowing of airways with coughing.

Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor

Adrenergic receptor subtype stimulated by decongestants to cause vasoconstriction in nasal passages.

Nursing Assessment for UR Meds

Process of documenting symptom description, treatment history, and concurrent medical problems before selecting upper-respiratory drugs.

Contraindicated Conditions for Decongestants

Hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, increased intraocular pressure, and prostatic hyperplasia require caution with alpha-adrenergic decongestants.

MAOI Interaction

Combination of sympathomimetic decongestants with monoamine oxidase inhibitors can cause significant hypertension.

Therapeutic Outcome (Decongestants)

Reduced nasal congestion and easier breathing after alpha-adrenergic stimulation of nasal mucosa.

Therapeutic Outcome (Antihistamines)

Diminished symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and runny nose, after H1-receptor blockade.

Therapeutic Outcome (Intranasal Corticosteroids)

Less rhinorrhea, rhinitis, itching, and sneezing in patients with allergic rhinitis unresponsive to other agents.