 Re: ...help
Sounds like an exam question..but I'll try to help. First of all, I do not know that there are "three" most common points, that may be perceived differently by the person counselling. The other things you need to ask regard ruling out other causes (i.e. other than the common cold). Examples would be:
-Do they smoke? Do they have asthma(or other pulmonary probs), if so is it well controlled?
-Do they have GERD, if so is it well controlled?
-Are they on an ACE inhibitor (as a dry cough can be a problem in 25% of people who take these)?
-Does throat hurt as well?
If answers are all negative, then simple counselling points for cough due to a cold would be:
-if pediatric, then almost always a viral infection. Just have to treat the symptoms (age-appropriately) and wait it out.
-If adult, treat symptoms with topical anaesthetics (i.e. menthol cough drops).
-If adult, could try a codeine-based product or dextromethorphan-based product (not sure what's available in the UK?)
-I would emphasize drinking lots of fluids/getting rest
-I would also suggest that if it persists for more than a couple of weeks, have it checked out.
As you can see, I'm not sure there are a common three answers. These are just the one's off the top of my head.
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