Cough

Subject: Community Health Nursing II

Overview

Coughing is a host defense mechanism to dislodge foreign material or clear secretion from the respiratory tract. It is one of the most common respiratory symptoms in pediatric primary care. A cough is a normal mechanism for maintaining lung health but can be a distressing symptom. There are 2 types of a cough, they are 1. Acute (3 weeks ) 2. Chronic ( more than 3 weeks ) Acute causes of a cough are: mild to moderate cases of viral or bacterial URIs, allergy (eg.rhinitis, asthma). Chronic causes of a cough: infection, allergy, irritants e.t.c. Upper respiratory tract infection in children of all ages, allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, smoking, tuberculosis etc.are the risk factor of a cough. Symptoms of a cough are c breathing, cough, nasal discharge, mouth breath breathing, lower chest wall indrawing e.t.c. Treatment of cough are: Smooth the throat and relieve a cough with a safe remedy such as warm, sweet drink. Relieve high fever with paracetamol, if this is causing distress to the child. Clear secretion from the child's nose before feeds using a cloth soaked in water. Using expectorants ad needed. Warm salt water gargle sooth the sore throat. Avoid exposure to smoking and other respiratory irritants. Raised the head of the child's bed.

Cough

Coughing is a defense mechanism used by the host to clear the respiratory tract of secretions or to remove foreign objects. One of the most typical respiratory symptoms in children receiving primary care is this one. A cough is caused by increased intrathoracic pressure pushing against a closed glottis, which then suddenly opens and exhales air. A cough is a normal mechanism for maintaining lung health but can be a distressing symptom.

Types

  • Acute (3 weeks ).
  • Chronic ( more than 3 weeks ).

Causes

Acute

  •  Mild to moderate cases of viral or bacterial URIs.
  •  Allergy (eg.rhinitis, asthma).

Chronic

  • Infection,
  • Allergy,
  • Irritants,
  • From pathogenic factors.

Risk Factors

  • Upper respiratory tract infection in children of all ages.
  • Allergic rhinitis.
  • A family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, smoking, tuberculosis etc.
  • Environmental exposure.
  • History of foreign body aspiration.

Symptoms

  • Cough,
  • Nasal discharge,
  • Mouth breathing,
  • Fast breathing,
  • Lower chest wall indrawing,
  • Stridor when the child is calm.

Treatment and Management

  • A warm, sweet beverage is a safe solution to soothe the throat and calm a cough.
  • If a child's high temperature is making them uncomfortable, try paracetamol to reduce it.
  • Use a cloth that has been soaked in water to remove secretions from the child's nose before feedings.
  • If necessary, using expectorants.
  • Gargle with warm salt water to relieve a sore throat.
  • Keep away from respiratory irritants like smoking.
  • The kid's bed's head was raised.
  • Advise clients to wash their hands, cover their mouths with tissues, and stay away from irritants.
  • Stress the importance of getting enough rest and sleep.

Reference

  • Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).
  • Dr.Panta SD (Immunization Medical Officer, WHO/IDP) (2005), Training Handout of Immunization
  • HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/symptom/cough
  • Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.
  • MedicineNet. 1996. 2017 http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_cough/article.htm
  • Medline Plus. 05 January 2017 https://medlineplus.gov/cough.html
  • O.P. GHAI, Gupta P, Paul V.K., 2005, Essential Paediatric, 6th edition revised & enlarged
  • Park’s, 2005, Textbook of Prevention & Social Medicine, 18th edition.
Things to remember
  • Coughing is a defensive mechanism used by the host to cleanse the respiratory system of secretions or to remove foreign objects.
  • One of the most typical respiratory symptoms in children receiving primary care is this one.
  • A cough is caused by increased intrathoracic pressure pushing on a closed glottis, which then suddenly opens and exhales air.
  • Although it is a typical process for preserving lung function, the discomfort can be upsetting.
  • Acute causes of a cough include allergies, mild to major URIs caused by bacteria or viruses, and (eg.rhinitis, asthma).
  • Chronic coughing reasons include allergies, allergens, infections, and more.
  • Children of all ages with upper respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, smoking, tuberculosis, etc.
  • Chronic coughing reasons include allergies, allergens, infections, and more.
  • Upper respiratory tract infections in kids of all ages, allergic rhinitis, asthma in the family, allergic rhinitis, smoking, tuberculosis, etc. are risk factors for a cough.
  • Coughing, nasal discharge, mouth breathing, rapid breathing, indrawing of the lower chest wall, etc. are all coughing symptoms.
  • Cough management and treatment include:

Smooth the throat and relieve a cough with a safe remedy such as warm, sweet drink.

  • Relieve high fever with paracetamol if this is causing distress to the child.
  • Clear secretion from the child's nose before feeds using a cloth soaked in water.
  • Using expectorants ad needed.
  • Warm salt water gargle sooth the sore throat.
  • Avoid exposure to smoking and other respiratory irritants.
  • Raised the head of the child's bed.
  • Eounsel about hand-washing, covering the mouth with a tissue and avoid exposure to irritants.
  • Emphasize the need for proper sleep and rest.
Questions and Answers

Cough can be treated and managed by following ways:

  • Relieve a cough and soothe the throat with a safe remedy, such as a warm, sweet drink.
  • If a child's high fever is causing discomfort, paracetamol should be administered to reduce it.
  • Remove secretions from the child's nose with a wet cloth prior to feedings.
  • Utilize expectorants as required.
  • Gargling with warm salt water soothes a sore throat.
  • Smoking and other respiratory irritants should be avoided.
  • The head of the child's bed was raised by .
  • Hand-washing, covering the mouth with a tissue, and avoiding exposure to irritants are recommended.
  • Emphasize the importance of adequate sleep and rest.

Coughing is a host defense mechanism to dislodge foreign material or clear secretion from the respiratory tract.

Coughing can be caused by:

1. Sudden causes

  • Cases of mild to moderate viral or bacterial URIs
  • Hypersensitivity (eg.rhinitis, asthma)

2. Long-term causes

  • Contamination
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Irritating substances
  • Derived from pathogenic factors

Risk factor of cough are:

  • Infections of the upper respiratory tract in children of all ages.
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Asthma, allergic rhinitis, smoking, tuberculosis, etc., in the family tree.
  • Environmental exposure
  • History of foreign body aspiration

Symptoms of coughing include:

  • Cough
  • Nasal discharge
  • Mouth respiration
  • Rapid breathing
  • Lower chest wall retraction
  • When the child is calm, stridor.

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