Beating the winter blues

A presentation on Coughs, Colds and the Flu

PRESENTED BY : MUHAMMAD KAMRAN

(PRESTON UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD)

E-Mail: kamranalisahir786@gmail.com

CONTENTSRESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONSINTRODUCTIONEPIDEMIOLOGYCOUGH Objectives Definition Mechanisms Classification TreatmentCOMMON COLD Mode of transmition Causes SymptomsFLU Causes & Symptoms Treatments Preventions

Respiratory tract infections

Based on the parts of infection respiratory tract infections are classified into two types

Upper respiratory tract infections Common cold Cough Flu Tonsillitis Pharyngitis Laryngitis Sinusitis Hey fever

Lower respiratory tract infections Bronchitis Pneumonia Influenza

INTRODUCTION Cough cold & Flu are common infections of upper respiratory tract. that can be

caused by over 200 different viruses Cough cold & Flu are the most common illnesses. cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause a blocked nose followed by a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat

and a cough. Each year, there are more than a billion cases of the Cough cold & Flu in the

United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. The effects of a cold can vary between individuals and the specific type of virus

causing the infection.

EPIDEMIOLOGY There are no major gender or ethnicity differences in incidence. Most infections occur in the winter period. A 2000 US study found that 23.6% of adults had experienced a cold in 4 weeks. Children get 6 to 8 colds per year. Adults get 4 to 6 colds per year.

COUGH

DEFINITIONCough is the body’s way of removing foreign material or mucus from the lungs and upper airway passage.A cough is a symptom not a disease.

Objectives Understand the function and physiological mechanisms of cough. Classify cough according to its duration. Know the most common causes of acute cough in adults. Know the symptoms, signs, and empiric treatment for the 4 most

common causes of chronic cough in adults. The shearing forces that develop aid in the elimination of mucus and foreign

materials

MECHANISM

Vocal cords and epiglottis suddenly open widely, air is expelled at velocities ranging from 75 to 100 miles/hr

Internal intercostal muscles also contract forcefully

Abdominal muscles contract forcefully, pushing against the diaphragm

Epiglottis closes, vocal cords shut tightly to entrap the air within the lung

About 2.5 L of air is inspired

CLASSIFICATION OF COUGH

COUGH

Acute

Dry

Pneumonia

Asthma

Cold/Flu

Irritant

AllergenChesty

Cold/Flu

Sub chronic Asthma

Chronic

Dry

Medicine

Allergy

Reflux

Chesty

Infection

Asthma

Acute Cough: < 3 Weeks Duration

Symptoms:Breathlessness Fever Chest Pain Weight Loss

Sub acute Cough: 3 - 8 Weeks DurationPost infectious A cough that begins with an cute respiratory tract infection and is not complicated * by pneumonia

• Resolve without treatment• Cause: • PND or tracheobronchitis• Sinusitis• Asthma

Chronic Cough: > 8 Weeks Duration• ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS Fever Pneumonia Headache UACS (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome) Asthma Cough is either productive or non productive

PRODUCTIVE ( Produce Mucus) NON PRODUCTIVE (Dry and does not produce mucus)

What can we do?

Cough: What’s it good for?• Attract attention• Signal displeasure• Protect the airway from pathogens, particulates, food, other foreign bodies• Clear the airways of accumulated secretions, particles

Cough

For a persistent cough, try menthol and certain herbal cough drops or hard candy to soothe the irritation.

TREATMENT

Coughs can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause of the cough. For most healthy adults, most treatments

will involve self-care.

Self-TreatmentA cough that is cased by virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. You can, however, soothe it in the following ways:

- Use decongestant sprays to unblock the nose and ease breathing - Elevate your head with extra pillows when sleeping- Use cough drops to soothe the throat- Avoid irritations, including smoke and dust-Gargle hot saltwater regularly to remove mucus and soothe the throat- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water- Add honey or ginger to hot tea to relieve the cough and clear the airway

What do we give to treat a chesty cough?

What do we give to treat a dry cough?

Adults:10mL every 8 hours. Maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours.

Children:(Over 12) 10mL every 8 hours. Maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours.

(6-12 years) 5mL every 8 hours. Maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours.

(6 and under) Not recommended.

Adults:10mL every 6-8 hours. Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

Children:(Over 12) 10mL every 6-8 hours. Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

(6-12 years) 5mL every 8 hours. Maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

(6 and under) Not recommended.

AntihisMedications used to treat cough may include:tamines and decongesta:

These drugs are standard treatment for allergies and postnasal .

Inhaled asthma drugs:

The most effective treatments for asthma-related cough are inhaled medications that reduce inflammation and widen the airways.

Antibiotics:

If a bacterial infection is causing the cough, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Acid blockers:.

Cough suppressants:

If the reason for your cough can't be determined, the doctor may prescribe a cough suppressant, especially if the cough is interfering with your

sleep. How to Treat a Cough From Cold or Flu You can’t cure colds or the flu, but you can relieve the cough and sore throat that sometimes comes with them. Use cough drops or hard candy Try a teaspoon of honey Hydrate. Sipping on drinks will keep your throat moist and comfortable. Heat up that drink. Sip some warm tea or chicken soup to heat up your airways Use cough medicine. Sometimes you need to cough to get out nasty mucus

Breathe in steam. If a raw, dry throat is making you coughWhen lifestyle changes don't take care of acid reflux, patient may be treated with medications that block acid production. Some people need surgery to resolve the problem, moisture may help Avoid dirty air. You know smoke isn’t good for you, but it’s especially bad when you're sick Rest. If you want to get rid of your cold and cough, you need to take it easy Try a nasal spray or rinse. Some throat sprays or rinses have a drug that helps soothe and numb the throat Eat a frozen treat. Want to cool down a flaming sore throat

Cold & Flu

Is that sneezy, stuffed up and general overall achy feeling

the flu or the common cold?

DEFINITIONS

A cold is the most common disease in the world. It is a contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory passages including the nose, throat, and sinuses. A cold can also affect the ears and lungs.

Flu is also a contagious viral infection. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu outbreaks occur in the late fall and winter with varying degrees of severity. The disease often spreads through communities creating an epidemic.

Both the cold and flu are caused by viruses. These viruses are highly infective and are passed on though direct contact with nasal secretion from infected people or objects, as well as airborne saliva droplets.

Did you know, that with each cough, about 1.5L of air is expelled – and flying in that air, is over 3000 saliva droplets travelling at the speed of about 80km/h?

If you thought that was gross, get this – when someone sneezes… there is as many as 40,000 droplets of saliva, some of which can fly across a room at speeds exceeding 320km/h.

The common cold may be caused by more than

100 different viruses.

Mode of transmission

Very contagious Spread from person to person Usually from nasal secretions and from fingers of the

affected person Most contagious in the first 3 days after symptoms begin Viruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin and hard surfaces. Associated with a number of viruses

Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses

Causes of Cold & Flu

•Nasal deformities (a shift in the nasal cavity)

•Nasal polyps(small growths in the lining of the nose)

•Bacterial or Viral Infections

•Environmental Factors

•Allergies •Pollutants

Symptoms of Cold & Flu Cold symptoms appear 2 to 3 days after infection, and last anywhere from 7 o to 14 days. Some of the most common cold symptoms are

Nasal congestion Fever & Fatigue

Headache Common cold viruses or

the flu Facial tenderness

Pressure or pain in

the sinuses Dental pain Sore throat and

cough Runny nose Blocked nose Sneezing Coughing High fever Hoarse voice

HOW TO KEEP AWAY FROM COLD & FLU

Runny or Stuffy Nose

The best way to handle a runny nose is to remove the fluid. Blowing your nose is a quick fix, but a nasal irrigation product, such as a neti pot, may also bring you some relief.

Headaches

Antihistamines or decongestants may help relieve the pressure from inflamed nasal passages.

Sore Throat

A teaspoon of honey added to a warm beverage, such as tea, is a traditional home remedy that may relieve the throat.

Fatigue

Your immune system is busy fighting off the infection so you don’t have much energy for anything else. Take it easy and relax — extra sleep can do wonders.

Drink a lot of water

Eat Well

Don't smoke

Exercise well & Keep in good physical shapeWash Your Hands

Regularly

Sleep Well

How to keep away from cold & flu

Treatment of cold & Flu Antihistamines Decongestants Pain Relievers Cough suppressants Nasal Strips Antibiotics are ineffective!!!

When do I see the doctor?See your doctor if you have:Temperature over 101 degrees for more than 48 hoursA cough with pain in the chestShortness of breathPersistent sore throat, without a runny or stuffy nose

Consult doctor if…Your throat is very red and it hurts to swallow No improvement within 7 daysSevere headache with a fever Worsening pain in one or both ears Any chronic medical condition

Ex. Asthma or diabetes

What do we give someone with a cold or the flu?

Adults:Dry/sore throat:• Strepsils Honey and Lemon

Lozenges• Strepsils Plus Anaesthetic Throat

SprayRunny nose:• Razene 10mg tabletsBlocked nose:• Sudafed PE rangeHeadache and fever:• Panadol• Neuromol

Children:Dry/sore throat:• Strepsils Children 6+Runny nose:• HistaclearBlocked nose:• (Over 12 years) Sudafed PE

range Headache and fever:• Panadol

Is there anything else we can give?

•Vitamins and supplements• Vitamin C• Echinacea• Selenium• Herbal teas etc.

•Beanies, scarves, gloves, etc.•Wheat packs

Foods to take in Cough & Cold Foods to avoid in Cough & Cold

Natural Remedy for Cough Cold & Flu

Garlic Juice Reduce swelling & inflammation Fight the free radicals Anti-oxidant and Anti-aging agent Cleans toxins out of the body

Ginger Juice Effective antimicrobial Prevents our blood vessels blockage Strengthens the immune system Fight chest infections, coughs & congestion

Natural Remedy Cough Cold & Flu

Lemon Juice Promote immunity Fight infection Strong antibacterial, antiviral Fight infection

Honey Clears Mucus from Nose and

throat Nutrition rich natural sweetener Digest Heaviest Meal & heals

stomach ulcers.

Natural Remedy for Cough, Cold & Cold

Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother

Treats Allergies Counteract the build-up of

lactic acid Eliminate tiredness

Turmeric Juice•Anti-inflammatory agent•Anti-bacterial and anti-viral action•Relieving the chest congestion•Fight Cancer Cells

So, Coughs, Colds, The Flu? Being Cold? What’s The Deal?

Coughs are protective Stop further entry of viruses Bodies way of trying to remove infection

Runny noses are also protective Extra layer to trap particles But can cause post nasal drip

More coughing! Also caused by extra cold temperatures

Cold and dry air are also irritants

Prevention GOOD HANDWASHING! Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not into your hand Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol) Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)

TAKE CAREHAVE A NICE

DAY