Symptoms in the Pharmacy: A Guide to the Management of Common Illnesses

Symptoms in the Pharmacy is the indispensable guide to the management of common symptoms seen in the pharmacy. Designed for quick and easy reference with separate chapters for each ailment, each chapter incorporates a decision making framework in which the information necessary for treatment and suggestions on ‘when to refer’ is distilled into helpful summary boxes. Decision making support is provided in cases involving ethical dilemmas. It also includes example case studies providing the view of pharmacists and doctors and, in their own words, patient perspectives of what it is like to live with and manage conditions such as migraine and eczema. These easy–to–follow chapters can be read cover to cover or turned to for quick reference. This seventh edition covers the availability of new medicines and includes new sections and case studies for ′POM′ to ′P′ switches. It continues to draw upon the latest evidence for treatment guidelines and includes expanded coverage of common infectious diseases and important safety advice on the use of medicines in children. It also features colour photographs of skin conditions enabling the differentiation and diagnosis of common skin complaints. With advice from a pharmacist and GP author team, Symptoms in the Pharmacy covers ailments which will be encountered in the pharmacy on a daily basis and should be kept close at hand for frequent consultation.

Preface Introduction: How to Use This Book Respiratory Problems Colds and flu Cough Sore throat Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Respiratory symptoms for direct referral Gastrointestinal Tract Problems Mouth ulcers Heartburn Indigestion Nausea and vomiting Motion sickness and its prevention Constipation Diarrhoea Irritable bowel syndrome Haemorrhoids Skin Conditions Eczema/dermatitis Acne Athlete’s foot Cold sores Warts and verrucae Scabies Dandruff Psoriasis Painful Conditions Headache Musculoskeletal problems Women’s Health Cystitis Dysmenorrhoea Vaginal thrush Emergency hormonal contraception Common symptoms in pregnancy Men’s Health Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) Hair loss Eye and Ear Problems Eye problems: the painful red eye Common ear problems Childhood Conditions Common childhood rashes Colic Teething Napkin rash Head lice Threadworms (pinworms) Oral thrush Insomnia Insomnia Prevention of Heart Disease Prevention of Heart Disease Appendix: Summary of Symptoms for Direct Referral Index Colour plates are found facing p. xxx

Alison Blenkinsopp, Professor of the Practice of Pharmacy, University of Bradford School of Pharmacy, Bradford, UK Paul Paxton, Former GP and GP trainer, Training Consultant and Volunteer Advocate, Cambridgeshire Independent Advocacy Service, Cambridge, UK John Blenkinsopp, Consultant in Medicines Management, School of Pharmacy, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK