Hope Line Physio

A persistent cough in a child can be a source of worry for parents. While most coughs are a normal part of a common cold and resolve on their own, a cough that lingers for more than a few weeks may be a sign of an underlying issue. Here's a breakdown of the common causes, home remedies, and when to seek medical attention. Common Causes of a Persistent Cough A cough is a natural reflex to clear the airways. When it becomes persistent, it's often due to one of the following: Post-Viral Cough: This is one of the most common reasons for a lingering cough. After a viral infection like a cold or the flu, the airways can remain sensitive and irritated, leading to a cough that can last for several weeks. Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis (PBB): This is the most common cause of a chronic cough in infants and toddlers. It's a bacterial infection in the bronchial tubes that causes a persistent, wet or productive cough that often lasts for more than four weeks. Asthma: A cough may be ...

 Understanding the cause of chest pain is the critical first step to getting the right treatment. A 35-year-old woman with chest pain will undergo a series of tests to rule out the most life-threatening conditions first, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. The results of these tests will guide the diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. Diagnostic Process Upon arrival at the emergency room or a doctor's office, a healthcare professional will likely do the following: Review Medical History: They will ask about the nature of the pain (e.g., location, duration, what makes it better or worse), other symptoms, and your personal and family medical history, including any risk factors for heart disease. Physical Exam: The doctor will check your vital signs, listen to your heart and lungs, and may press on your chest to see if the pain can be reproduced, which can point toward a musculoskeletal cause. Immediate Tests: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This quick and non-invasive...

  .  Mechanism & Class Class:  Cardioselective β₁-blocker Action: Blocks cardiac β₁-receptors → ↓ heart rate, ↓ contractility, ↓ renin release Reduces cardiac output →  lowers BP Key Limitation: Lacks vasodilatory effects (unlike carvedilol/nebivolol) Minimal CNS penetration (vs. propranolol) 2.  FDA-Approved Uses Indication Dosage Range Notes Hypertension 25-100 mg daily Not first-line per guidelines Angina Pectoris 50-200 mg daily Reduces attack frequency Arrhythmias 50-100 mg daily SVT/Ventricular control 3.  Dosing Protocol Starting:  25-50 mg once daily Titration:  ↑ by 25 mg weekly (max 100 mg/day) Take:  On empty stomach (food ↓ absorption 20%) Renal Adjustment: CrCl (mL/min) Dose Adjustment 15-35 Max 50 mg/day <15 Max 25 mg/day or avoid 4.  Black Box Warnings & Contraindications Risk Critical Considerations Abrupt Withdrawal ↑ Angina/MI risk – taper over 1-2 weeks Heart Failure Decompensation Avoid in acute HF or HFrEF...

  1.  Mechanism & Class Class:  β₁-Selective Beta-Blocker ( Cardioselective ) Action: Blocks cardiac β₁-receptors → ↓  sinus node firing rate  and  AV conduction Reduces resting/peak heart rate (HR), myocardial oxygen demand Formulations: Tartrate (IR):  Short-acting (dosed BID) -  Lopressor® Succinate (ER):  24-hour control -  Toprol-XL® 2.  Key Indications for Rate Control Condition Target HR Formulation Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) 60-100 bpm Tartrate BID Sinus Tachycardia 60-100 bpm Succinate daily Post-MI Tachycardia 50-60 bpm Tartrate BID → Succinate SVT Acute IV → PO IV/PO Tartrate 3.  Dosing Protocols Scenario Initial Dose Titration Max Dose Chronic AFib Tartrate 25 mg BID ↑ by 25 mg BID q3-7d 100 mg BID Acute SVT/AFib (IV) 2.5-5 mg IV slow Repeat q5min × 3 15 mg Post-MI Tartrate 25 mg BID → Switch to Succinate 100 mg daily 200 mg/day Anxiety-Induced Tachycardia Succinate 25 mg daily ↑ 25 mg weekly 200 mg/day Goal HR:...