Symptoms in the Pharmacy: A Guide to the Managemen t of Common Illnesses, 10th Edition

Community pharmacies are often the first source for information and advice when health problems arise. Increasingly patients are being referred to pharmacists by other health care professionals through Pharmacy First and similar schemes.

This book presents a decision-making framework along with ‘red flags’, ‘when to refer’ and evidence-based treatment recommendations. A unique feature is that case studies appear throughout, in which pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and patients describe assessment and treatment of a wide range of common problems.

Highlights of this substantially updated tenth edition are:

The addition of seven major sections covering the initial Pharmacy First scheme in England: acute otitis media (AOM); impetigo; infected insect bites; shingles; acute sinusitis; sore throat; and uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.

A changed book title to reflect the increasing remit of community pharmacy in disease prevention, with extended content on topics such as blood pressure measurement and shingles vaccination.

‘The consultation’ expanded in a new chapter, including decisions about supplying antibiotics with a suggested framework to reflect antimicrobial stewardship.

Pharmacy continuation of contraceptive pills and the Pharmacy Contraception service.

Revisited and updated information on COVID-19 and long COVID in the light of the transition of COVID-19 to an endemic state.

Practicing and Foundation trainee pharmacists, as well as undergraduate pharmacy students and many other healthcare professionals, will find Symptoms in the Pharmacy: A Guide to the Management of Common Illnesses and Disease Prevention invaluable.

Table of Contents:

CHAPTER 1: The Consultation

Requests for treatment

Developing consultation skills

Decision making and risk assessment

Record keeping and communication

Antimicrobial stewardship and consultation skills

CHAPTER 2: Respiratory Problems

Coughs and colds

Cough

Sore throat – pharmacy first

Acute sinusitis – pharmacy first

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

Respiratory symptoms for direct referral

CHAPTER 3: COVID‐19 and Long COVID

COVID‐19

Long COVID

CHAPTER 4: Gastrointestinal Tract Problems

Mouth ulcers

Heartburn

Indigestion

Nausea and vomiting

Motion sickness and its prevention

Constipation

Diarrhoea

Irritable bowel syndrome

Haemorrhoids

CHAPTER 5: Skin Conditions

Eczema/dermatitis

Acne

Common fungal infections

Cold sores

Excessive sweating – hyperhydrosis

Sunburn

Warts and verrucae

Infected insect bites – pharmacy first

Scabies

Dandruff

Psoriasis

CHAPTER 6: Painful Conditions

Musculoskeletal problems

Headache

Shingles – pharmacy first

Post‐herpetic neuralgia

Herpes zoster vaccines

Toothache

CHAPTER 7: Women's Health

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection – pharmacy first

Urinary incontinence

Dysmenorrhoea

Premenstrual syndrome

Menorrhagia

Menopause

Vaginal thrush

Pharmacy contraception service

Desogestrel (DSG) OTC

Emergency hormonal contraception

Common symptoms in pregnancy

CHAPTER 8: Men's Health

Lower urinary tract symptoms

Erectile dysfunction

Hair loss

CHAPTER 9: Older People, Frailty and Falls Prevention

Frailty

Preventing falls

CHAPTER 10: Eye and Ear Problems

Working in partnership with optometrists

Eye problems: the red eye

Eye problems: the dry eye

Common ear problems

CHAPTER 11: Childhood Conditions

Common childhood rashes and infections

Acute otitis media – pharmacy first

Impetigo – pharmacy first

Infantile colic

Teething

Nappy rash (napkin dermatitis)

Head lice

Threadworm (pinworm)

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis)

CHAPTER 12: Insomnia and Mental Wellbeing

Insomnia

Mental wellbeing

Suicidal thoughts and suicide prevention

CHAPTER 13: Prevention of Heart Disease

What is cardiovascular disease?

What is cardiovascular disease risk?

Community pharmacy blood pressure check service

Smoking cessation and nicotine replacement therapy

Physical activity, diet and weight

CHAPTER 14: Malaria Prevention

Significance of questions and answers

Practical points

CHAPTER 15: Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics in the pharmacy

Appendix: Summary of Symptoms for Direct Referral

Index

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