The document presents an overview of respiratory tract infections, specifically coughs, colds, and flu, detailing their definitions, epidemiology, symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods. It categorizes coughs based on duration and provides management strategies depending on the type of cough and associated conditions. Additionally, it outlines common remedies and precautions to minimize the spread of these infections.

1. Beating the winter
blues
A presentation on Coughs, Colds and
the Flu
PRESENTED BY :
MUHAMMAD KAMRAN
(PRESTON UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD)
E-Mail:
kamranalisahir786@gmail.com

2. CONTENTS
RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
INTRODUCTION
EPIDEMIOLOGY
COUGH
 Objectives
 Definition
 Mechanisms
 Classification
 Treatment
COMMON COLD
 Mode of transmition
 Causes
 Symptoms
FLU
 Causes & Symptoms
 Treatments
 Preventions

3. 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

4. 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.

5. COUGH

6. DEFINITION
Cough 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

7. 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

8. CLASSIFICATION OF COUGH
COUGH
Acute
Dry
Pneumonia
Asthma
Cold/Flu
Irritant
Allergen
Chesty
Cold/Flu
Sub chronic
Asthma
Chronic
Dry
Medicine
Allergy
Reflux
Infection
Asthma

9.  Acute Cough: < 3 Weeks Duration
Symptoms:
Breathlessness
 Fever
 Chest Pain
 Weight Loss
 Sub acute Cough: 3 - 8 Weeks Duration
Post 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)

10. 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

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

12. 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.

13. Self-Treatment
A 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

14. 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.

15. 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 toTreat 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 cough
When 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

16. Cold & Flu
Is that sneezy, stuffed up and general overall achy feeling
the flu or the common cold?

17. 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.

18. 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

19. Causes of Cold & Flu
•Nasal deformities
(a shift in the nasal cavity)
•Nasal polyps(small growths
in the lining of the nose)
•Bacterial orViral Infections
•Environmental Factors
•Allergies
•Pollutants

20. 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

21. HOW TO
KEEP AWAY FROM COLD & FLU

22. 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.

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

24. Sore Throat

25. 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.

26. Drink a lot of water
Eat Well
Don't smoke
Exercise well & Keep in
good physical shape
WashYour Hands
Regularly
Sleep Well
How to
keep away from cold & flu

27. 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 hours
A cough with pain in the chest
Shortness of breath
Persistent 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 days
Severe headache with a fever
Worsening pain in one or both ears
Any chronic medical condition
Ex. Asthma or diabetes

28. What do we give someone
with a cold or the flu?
Adults:
Dry/sore throat:
• Strepsils Honey and Lemon Lozenges
• Strepsils Plus AnaestheticThroat Spray
Runny nose:
• Razene 10mg tablets
Blocked nose:
• Sudafed PE range
Headache and fever:
• Panadol
• Neuromol
Children:
Dry/sore throat:
• Strepsils Children 6+
Runny nose:
• Histaclear
Blocked 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

29. FoodstotakeinCough&Cold Foods to avoid in Cough & Cold

30. 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

31. 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.

32. Natural Remedy for Cough, Cold &
Cold
 Apple CiderVinegar
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

33. 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

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

36. TAKE CARE
HAVE A NICE DAY