Some helpful Tips for Cold, Cough, Sore throat etc.

Lot of people are suffering from Cold, Cough, Sore throat or nasal congestions at the moment. So I thought I would share with you some helpful tips from your Pharmacists at East Hill Pharmacy about how to treat yourself better if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from any of the symptoms.

 

 

Most symptoms of a cold, cough ,sore throat or nasal congestion will get better between 4 days and 3 weeks and won't be a sign of something more serious.  You can treat yourself better within this time without  needing to see your GP and remember that antibiotics will not help with these symptoms. If however you notice any of the signs below please speak with  your Pharmacist or  contact  your  Doctors' surgery. 

 

What do I need to look out for?UGH

Coughing up blood: You cough up blood for no obvious reason. 

 

Duration: Your cough is not getting better within three to four weeks. 

 

Chest or shoulder pain: In addition to your cough, you have chest and/or shoulder pain. 

 

Breathlessness: You also find it difficult to breathe.

 

Weight loss: You’re losing weight for no apparent reason over a period of six weeks or more.  

Voice changes: Your voice becomes hoarse for longer than three weeks, and the hoarseness persists after the cough has settled.  

New lumps or swellings: You notice new swellings anywhere in the neck or above your collarbones.

Symptoms start after you’ve choked on something . D

High fever: You develop a high temperature (above 39°C), which can be a sign of a more serious type of infection. 

Confused: You’re feeling confused or disorientated .  

Chest pain: You notice a sharp pain in your chest. 

Phlegm: You cough up blood-stained phlegm (thick mucus) . 

Breathing: You find it difficult to breathe.  

Swelling: You notice a marked swelling of the glands in your neck and/or armpits. 

Duration: Your symptoms last longer than three weeks. SORE THROAT

Duration: Your symptoms are no better after two weeks . 

Frequency: You have frequent sore throats that do not respond to painkillers . 

High fever: You have a persistent high temperature over 38°C for more than three days that does not come down even if you take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol. 

Glandular fever: A sore throat that doesn’t get better within 10 to 14 days or that gets worse rather than better may suggest glandular fever.  

Breathing: You find it hard to breathe in, and your throat feels like it’s closing up.

Drooling and swallowing: You’re drooling and find it difficult to swallow – this is an emergency. 

Severity: Your pain is severe and does not respond to over the counter painkillers.  

Voice changes: Your voice becomes muffled. 

Fluid intake: You find it difficult to drink enough fluids and become dehydrated..  

Effect on day to day life: Your symptoms are so bad that they severely affect your quality of life and prevent you from functioning normally.  

HIV/AIDS or other causes of reduced immunity: If you  suffer from a sore throat and have a deficient immune system because, for example, you have HIV/AIDS or you take certain medication (such as chemotherapy, high dose steroids disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or a drug called carbimazole). NASAL CONGESTION

High fever: You develop a high temperature (above 39°C), which can be a sign of a more serious type of infection.  

Confused: You’re confused or disorientated.  

Other medical conditions: You’re at high risk of complications because you suffer other medical

conditions.

Facial pain: You suffer severe pain or discomfort in your face.  

Green/yellow fluid: Your nose produces lots of thick green/ yellow fluid. 

Antibiotics aren't an effective treatment for winter symptoms such as cold, cough, flu, sore throat or nasal congestion. These symptoms are caused viruses and antibiotics only work against bacteria. If you take antibiotics unnecessarily then they might not work when you need them to treat a bacterial infection. Why not save yourself a trip to your Doctors' surgery and pop in to your local Pharmacy for some expert advice?  Most symptoms of a cough, cold, sore throat or

asal congestion will normally get better between
4Over the counter medicines are available to help to relieve your symptoms. Speak to your pharmacist who can help you choose the medicine that will work best for you, advise you on whether you need to see a doctor and provide guidance on selfcare and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  

We are better during this time without needing to see your GP, and remember antibiotics will not work for these symptoms.

If however, you notice any of the signs below, speak

to your pharmacist or call www.easthillpharmacy.com