Fully updated to reflect NHS movesto encourage greater self-care and more use of over-the-counter remedies

Informed by the experiences and expertise of seasoned pharmacists and GPs, this reference guide provides pharmacists working in the community with the treatment information they need when they need it. Each chapter incorporates a decision-making framework which distills the information necessary for treatment along with suggestions on when to refer set off in summary boxes. Elucidating case studies are provided throughout, in which pharmacists and doctors describe, in their own words, listening to and treating patients suffering with a range of common problems, from migraine to eczema to IBS.

The indispensable guide to assessing and managing common symptoms seen in the pharmacy

With expert coverage of most common ailments which will be encountered by pharmacists on a daily basis,Symptoms in the Pharmacy, 8th Edition is a professional resource youll want to keep close at hand for frequent consultation.

Alison Blenkinsopp, OBE, BPharm, FFRPS, PhD is Professor of the Practice of Pharmacy in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences of the University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.

Martin Duerden, BMedSci, MB BS, DRCOG, DipTher, DPH, FRCGP is a General Practitioner and Honorary Senior Research Fellow with the Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation of Bangor University, Bangor, UK.

John Blenkinsopp, MB, ChB, BPharm, MRPharmS is Chief Medical Officer, Avipero Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company based in Edinburgh, UK.

Preface vii

Introduction: How to Use This Book ix

About the Companion Website xxv

Chapter 1 Respiratory Problems 1

Colds and flu 1

Cough 18

Sore throat 29

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) 38

Respiratory symptoms for direct referral 47

Chapter 2 Gastrointestinal Tract Problems 53

Mouth ulcers 53

Heartburn 60

Indigestion 69

Nausea and vomiting 78

Motion sickness and its prevention 81

Constipation 85

Diarrhoea 95

Irritable bowel syndrome 108

Haemorrhoids 116

Chapter 3 Skin Conditions 127

Eczema/dermatitis 127

Acne 138

Common fungal infections 146

Cold sores 158

Warts and verrucae 162

Scabies 170

Dandruff 174

Psoriasis 179

Chapter 4 Painful Conditions 187

Headache 187

Musculoskeletal problems 205

Chapter 5 Womens Health 219

Cystitis 219

Dysmenorrhoea 228

Premenstrual syndrome 235

Menorrhagia 237

Vaginal thrush 240

Emergency hormonal contraception 249

Common symptoms in pregnancy 257

Chapter 6 Mens Health 261

Lower urinary tract symptoms 261

Erectile dysfunction 266

Hair loss 269

Chapter 7 Eye and Ear Problems 275

Eye problems: The red eye 275

Eye problems: The dry eye 281

Common ear problems 286

Chapter 8 Childhood Conditions 293

Illnesses affecting infants and children up to 16 years 293

Infantile colic 299

Teething 302

Nappy rash (napkin dermatitis) 303

Head lice 309

Threadworm (pinworm) 315

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) 320

Chapter 9 Insomnia 327

Difficulty sleeping 327

Chapter 10 Prevention of Heart Disease 339

Prevention of heart disease 339

Chapter 11 Malaria Prevention 359

Appendix A: Summary of Symptoms for Direct Referral 369

Appendix B: Resource and Reference Grid 371

Index 387