Tips for Common Symptoms

Allergies or Itchy Eyes
For minor symptoms:
· Avoid the problem agent if possible
· Take an antihistamine: Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, or Claritin
· Use eye drops such as Naphcon-A for allergic conjunctivitis
· Use a decongestant such as Sudafed for nasal congestion, but do not use if you have high blood pressure
· Apply hydrocortisone cream to bites or allergic skin rash See your health care clinician if:
· Throat or chest tightness, swelling of lips or tongue — call immediately.
· Problem recurs frequently or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications.
Colds
For minor symptoms:
· Get rest and drink plenty of fluids
· Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
· Take a decongestant such as Sudafed to relieve nasal congestion, but do not use if you have high blood pressure.
· Take a cough suppressant such as Robitussin DM for hacking cough See your health care clinician if:
· Cold or cough lingers more than one week.
· Fever persists for more than a few days.
· You have painful breathing or shortness of breath.
· You have discolored mucous.
· You have severe headache or sinus pain.
Cold Sores or Fever Blisters
For minor symptoms:
· Apply ice for 5-10 minutes to reduce pain
· Apply topical agents such as Herpecin-L® or Campho-phenique® for comfort
· Use moisturizers such as Blistex® to hasten healing
· Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
· Be patient: cold sores usually go away in 7-10 days
· Be cautious: cold sores may be due to herpes simplex virus and may be contagious See your health care clinician if:
· Sores are excessive or do not heal.
· Pain prevents you from eating or drinking.
· You have severe or frequently recurring sores.
Constipation
For minor symptoms:
· Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
· Take a stool softener such as Colace or fiber product as Metamucil®
· DO NOT use laxatives, such as Ex-Lax, regularly
· Increase activity and exercise See your health care clinician if:
· Condition persists for several days.
· You have a fever.
· You experience stomach cramping, bloating, rectal bleeding or nausea.
Cuts and Scrapes
For minor symptoms:
· Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water
· Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure
· Keep area clean and dry See your health care clinician if:
· Wound is deep.
· You cut yourself on something rusty or dirty.
· Bleeding won't stop.
· Red streak appears around wound.
· Wound doesn't heal.
· You haven't had a tetanus booster in 10 years.
Diarrhea or Vomiting
For minor symptoms:
· Rest and sip clear fluids such as ginger ale, Gatorade® or broth
· Eat light foods such as crackers or toast
· If diarrhea persists, take Imodium A-D
· Avoid caffeine and alcohol See your health care clinician if:
· Symptoms last more than two days.
· Fluids won't stay down.
· You experience high fever or dizziness.
· There is blood in stool.
· You have diarrhea during the night.
Headaches
For minor symptoms:
· Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
· Apply hot or cold packs
· Avoid bright lights
· Take sinus medication if head/nose is congested, but do not use Sudafed if you have high blood pressure See your health care clinician if:
· Headache persists or recurs.
· Headache follows injury or trauma.
· You experience fever, vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion.
· The headache is severe or associated with neck stiffness.
Heartburn/Indigestion
For minor symptoms:
· Avoid spicy, acidic or other aggravating foods, and alcohol
· Stop smoking
· Eat smaller amounts of food at one time, especially if near bedtime
· Take antacids, such as Maalox, or acid-suppressants such as Pepcid-AC
· Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen products See your health care clinician if:
· Problem recurs or pain is severe.
· Pain occurs with shortness of breath or other symptoms that suggest heart problems.
Sore Throat
For minor symptoms:
· Gargle with warm salt water to soothe throat
· Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
· Use throat lozenges
· Increase fluids See your health care clinician if:
· Sore throat lasts more than a week.
· Fever accompanies the sore throat.
· You have difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking.
· There are white patches on back of throat or tonsils.
· You have been exposed to someone diagnosed with strep throat.
· You have tender neck lymph nodes.
Sprains or Strains
For minor symptoms:
· Apply ice
· Rest and elevate injured area
· Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen See your health care clinician if:
· Problem lasts more than three days or pain is severe.
· There is dislocation or misalignment.
· You have difficulty moving the affected area.
· There is black and blue discoloration.
Sunburn
For minor symptoms:
· Avoid further exposure to the sun
· Apply cool compresses to the area or take a cool bath
· Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (note warning for children under 16)
· Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
· Apply aloe gel to soothe area
· To avoid sunburn, wear protective clothing and sunscreen See your health care clinician if:
· Burn is accompanied by fever, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion.
· Blisters form on large areas of the skin.
· Blisters break and appear infected.