In: Nursing
Which guidelines /resource do you use to manage patients with cough in community pharmacy setting
Cough is a symptom of an underlying disease. It can be due to viral , bacterial , allergic or even pre existing lung diseases .
If it is viral, there is no specific treatment required. It usually subsides on its own. It is acute type of cough which releases the inflammatory mediators soon.
If it is bacterial, antibiotics is given . A course of antibiotics is usually given in a prescribed dose according to the body weight . The person feels better and symptoms of cough gradually decreases if it is caused by bacteria.
If the person is allergic to certain substances or weather, it too can aggrevate cough. In such instances, antiallergic medications containing histamine is given which reduces the symptoms of cough.
If the cough is chronic and is lasting for a month, tests such as sputum culture and sensitivity , Mantoux test, broncoscopy is performed to know the cause of the disease and is treated accordingly.
Thank you.