PHARMACY - common ailments

Hay fever:

• Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis
• Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, an itchy nose, watery & itchy eyes, and an itchy palate (roof of the mouth)
• Some people have both nasal and eye symptoms, although others will have mainly one or the other
• If nasal symptoms are controlled, this will often help eye symptoms
• It is difficult to distinguish between infected rhinitis and hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Hay fever is usually seasonal and is aggravated by some pollens and grass seeds

Tips and advice for customers:

• Controlling the nasal symptoms often improves the eye symptoms
• Start treatment early and take regularly

When to seek further professional advice:

• There is shortness of breath, which could be asthma
• There is a cough or a wheeze, which could be asthma
• The person has swollen glands and/or a persistent headache-there may be an infection
• There is a yellow discharge or pus from the eyes or nose
• Only one side of the nose or eye is affected
• Ears or sinuses (around the cheekbones) are painful

Vitamin supplement suggestions:

• Horseradish, garlic & vitamin C
• Multivitamin