Respiratory Illnesses: Cough, Bronchitis, and Pneumonia

Cough

• Reflex action to expel irritants.

• Causes: viruses, bacteria, allergies, irritants, dry air.

• Can be symptom of cold, bronchitis, pneumonia.

Causes of Cough

• Infections (viral, bacterial).

• Irritants (smoke, dust, fumes, allergens).

• GERD (acid reflux).

• Asthma (airway inflammation).

When to See a Doctor

• Coughing up blood.

• High fever.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Cough lasting over 3 weeks.

Types of Cough

• Acute: Less than 3 weeks, usually from cold or flu.

• Chronic: More than 8 weeks, from asthma, allergies, GERD.

• Productive: Brings up phlegm/mucus.

• Non-productive: No phlegm.

• Dry: Non-productive, from allergies, asthma, dry air.

Cough Medication

• Productive Coughs: Expectorants (guaifenesin, bromhexine) thin mucus.

• Non-Productive Coughs: Antihistamines (chlorpheniramine), Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan, pholcodine).

• Other Treatments: Decongestants (pseudoephedrine), Combination products (Prospan, Actifed).

Bronchitis

• Inflammation of bronchial tubes.

• Main symptom: Cough (may produce mucus).

• Usually caused by viral infection, bacteria, or irritants.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Common: Coughing, mucus, sore throat, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath.

• Less Common: Wheezing, chest tightness, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite.

Treating Bronchitis

• Rest: Give body time to heal.

• Hydration: 8-10 glasses of water daily.

• Over-the-Counter Medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cough medications.

• Humidifier: Maintain 40-60% humidity.

• Avoid Smoke & Irritants: Eliminate exposure.

Drug Treatment for Bronchitis

• Antibiotics not typically prescribed (usually viral).

• Treatments focus on symptom management.

• OTC meds: expectorants, mucolytics, cough suppressants, decongestants.

Pneumonia

• Infection inflaming air sacs in lungs.

• Air sacs fill with fluid, causing breathing difficulty.

• Common illness affecting all ages.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

• Cough: Persistent, produces thick phlegm (clear, white, yellow, or green).

• Fever: Mild to high-grade (up to 105°F/40.5°C).

• Fatigue: Profound exhaustion.

• Breathing Difficulty: Shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, chest pain.

Types of Pneumonia

• Bacterial: Most common.

• Viral: Can be severe in some.

• Fungal: Serious in immunocompromised individuals.

• Aspiration: From inhaling foreign substances.

Causes of Pneumonia

• Bacteria: Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae.

• Viruses: Influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2.

• Fungi: Pneumocystis jirovecii, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus.

• Aspiration: Food, liquids, gastric contents.

Risk Factors for Pneumonia

• Age: Young children, older adults (65+).

• Weakened Immune System: HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments.

• Chronic Conditions: COPD, cardiovascular disease, diabetes.

• Smoking: Damages respiratory tract.

Diagnosing Pneumonia

• Physical Exam: Listening to lungs.

• Medical History.

• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays.

• Sputum Culture: Identify specific pathogen.

• Blood Tests: Assess infection severity.

Treating Pneumonia

• Antibiotics: For bacterial pneumonia (e.g., penicillin, amoxicillin).

• Oxygen therapy: For breathing difficulty.

• Rest: Important for recovery.

• Fluids: Staying hydrated is crucial.

• Severe cases: Hospitalization.

Preventing Pneumonia

• Vaccination: Pneumococcus and influenza vaccines.

• Hygiene: Frequent handwashing.

• Covering Mouth and Nose: When coughing or sneezing.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, sleep.

Medicinal Treatment for Pneumonia (Malaysia)

• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, cefuroxime.

• Oxygen Therapy: For low oxygen saturation.

• Rest and Hydration.

• Hospitalization: For severe cases.