What Do You Know About Chronic Coughing? Trivia Quiz

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine because it is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction and causes symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Chlorpheniramine works by binding to histamine receptors and preventing histamine from causing these symptoms. It is commonly used to treat allergies, hay fever, and cold symptoms. Bromhexiene, ambroxol, and codeine are not antihistamines but rather medications used for cough suppression and expectoration.

ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure. One of the known side effects of ACE inhibitors is a persistent dry cough. This cough is thought to be caused by the inhibition of the enzyme responsible for breaking down bradykinin, a substance that can cause irritation in the lungs. Therefore, ACE inhibitors can cause cough as a side effect of their mechanism of action.

Codeine is not an expectorant because it is an opioid analgesic and antitussive medication. It works by suppressing the cough reflex and is commonly used for pain relief and as a cough suppressant. Expectorants, on the other hand, are medications that help to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. Guaphenesin, potassium iodide, and ammonium chloride are all examples of expectorants commonly used to treat cough and congestion.

Antitussives refer to cough centre suppressants, which are medications used to suppress or relieve coughing. These drugs work by acting on the cough center in the brain to reduce the urge to cough. They are commonly used to treat dry, non-productive coughs. Antitussives are different from cough modifiers, bronchodilators, and soothing agents, as they specifically target the cough reflex in the brain.

Upper respiratory tract infections are the major cause of acute cough. This is because these infections, such as the common cold or flu, can cause inflammation and irritation in the upper airways, leading to coughing as a natural response to clear the airways. Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux can also cause coughing, but they are not the primary cause of acute cough.

Dextromethorphan is a non-opioid antitussive. Unlike codeine and pholcodeine, which are opioids, dextromethorphan acts on the cough center in the brain to suppress coughing without causing the same addictive effects as opioids. Therefore, dextromethorphan is a commonly used non-opioid alternative for cough suppression.

Ambroxol is an active metabolite of bromhexine. Bromhexine is a medication used to treat respiratory conditions such as cough and bronchitis. When bromhexine is metabolized in the body, it is converted into ambroxol, which has mucolytic and expectorant properties. Ambroxol helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear the respiratory passages. Therefore, bromhexine is the correct answer as ambroxol is derived from it.

Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are responsible for causing subacute cough. These bacteria are known to infect the respiratory system and can lead to respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. They are often transmitted through respiratory droplets and can cause persistent coughing, along with other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and chest pain. Clostridium and E. coli are not typically associated with subacute cough, making the correct answer Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.

Guaphenesin is a medication known for its expectorant properties. It helps to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. This action is beneficial for individuals with conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Guaphenesin does not have mucolytic or mucokinetic properties, which involve different mechanisms of action in the respiratory system. Therefore, the correct answer is Expectorant.

Acute cough refers to a cough that lasts for a short duration, typically less than 3 weeks. It is a common symptom of respiratory infections or allergies and is usually self-limiting. Chronic cough, on the other hand, lasts for more than 3 weeks and may indicate underlying medical conditions such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic bronchitis.

Codeine is an opioid that acts as a cough suppressant by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. It also has anti-diarrheal actions by slowing down the movement of the intestines, reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements.

Ambroxol is not only a mucolytic agent but also possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties. This means that it can help reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and provide pain relief. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

Ambroxol, when used along with antibiotics in children, ensures faster cure from cough. This suggests that antibiotics have a synergistic effect with Ambroxol, enhancing its effectiveness in treating cough in children. The International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology supports this finding, indicating that the combination of Ambroxol and antibiotics is beneficial for faster recovery from cough.

Excessive coughing can lead to vomiting because the forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles during coughing can trigger the vomiting reflex. This reflex is designed to expel any irritants or foreign substances from the body, and the forceful coughing can stimulate the same response. Therefore, when someone coughs excessively, it can cause the body to forcefully expel the contents of the stomach, resulting in vomiting.

Ambroxol is a medication that is commonly used as a mucolytic and expectorant. It helps to break down and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up. Smoker's cough, productive cough, and cough associated with acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are all conditions characterized by excessive mucus production and difficulty in coughing it out. Therefore, Ambroxol can be used to alleviate these symptoms in all of the mentioned cases.