SYMPTOMS IN PHARMACY Flashcards
Recognise symptoms related to common respiratory conditions
common cold - nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing, sore
throat, and cough.
cough - reflex response to airway irritation
seasonal influenza - coryza (inflammation), nasal
discharge, cough, fever, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms,
headache, malaise, myalgia, arthralgia, ocular
symptoms, and sore throat.
croup - seal-like barking cough usually
accompanied by stridor (predominantly inspiratory), hoarse
voice, and respiratory distress due to upper-airway obstruction.
Symptoms are usually worse at night. There may be a fever.
whooping cough -
The catarrhal phase lasts ~ a week and is characterised by the development of a dry, unproductive cough.
The paroxysmal phase may last for a month or more and is characterised by coughing fits, whooping, and
post-tussive vomiting. The person may be relatively well between paroxysms.
The convalescent phase may last an additional 2 months or more, and is characterised by gradual
improvement in the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Recognise red flags and when to refer respiratory conditions
common cold -
cough - NOT respond to trials of treatment, if the diagnosis is
uncertain, or if systemically unwell.
seasonal influenza - A complication such as pneumonia occurs.
* The person has a concomitant disease that may be
affected by influenza (for example, type 1 diabetes).
* There is suspicion of a serious illness other than
influenza (for example, meningitis).
croup - A child should be immediately admitted when presenting
with moderate or severe croup, or impending respiratory
failure
whooping cough -
Recognise symptoms related to common skin conditions
atopic eczema -
Chronic, itchy skin condition – common
in children
- Often accompanies other “atopic” conditions
- Rash is dry, flaky and inflamed
contact dermatitis -
Commonly on the hands
- Consider patient history and occupation
- Nappy rash is a type of contact dermatitis
psoriasis -
Characterised by inflamed skin topped
with silver or white “plaques”
ringworm -
fungal infection that
presents as a circular rash
athletes foot -
fungal foot infection
usually spread by person-person
herpes -
usually around lips /
nose caused
warts - Small growths on the skin
verrucae - Small growths on the skin
acne - Hair follicles and sebaceous glands
become blocked
scabies -
Recognise symptoms related to common childhood conditions
Teething - pain, increased biting and drooling
Threadworms- itching around the anus, worms in stool and visible eggs
Colic - extreme crying
Head lice - itching, visible
Nappy Rash - redness around genital area
Oral thrush - white patches in mouth that can be wiped off
Recognise symptoms related to common pain conditions
sprain -
strains -
sciatica -
osteoarthritis -
tension headache -
sinus headache -
migraine -
meningitis-
dysmenorrhea -
Describe the signs and symptoms of cystitis, vaginal thrush, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia and the menopause.
Identify red flag signs and symptoms for these conditions and be able to refer appropriately
Suggest appropriate management options for cystitis, vaginal thrush, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, contraception including in an emergency, and the menopause
common conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract encountered in the pharmacy
Ask pertinent questions related to specific conditions (GI TRACT)
Formulate a treatment plan (non-pharmacological or pharmacological) based on presenting symptoms (GI TRACT)
Respond appropriately to requests for named medicines (GI TRACT)
Identify any “red flag” issues and know when and how to refer (GI TRACT)
some of the common conditions related to the ears, nose and throat encountered in the pharmacy
Ask pertinent questions related to specific conditions (ENT)
Identify suitable options for management of the condition of respiratory conditions
common cold -
cough - Offer self care (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation,
if appropriate), and refer to smoking cessation if relevant
seasonal influenza - Drink adequate fluid
* Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms, rest
* Stay off work or school until the worst symptoms have resolved
croup - All children with mild, moderate, or severe croup
should receive a single dose of oral dexamethasone (0.15 mg
per kg body weight).
Croup is usually self-limiting and symptoms usually resolve
within 48 hours
whooping cough - An antibiotic (usually a macrolide, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin)
should be prescribed to all people with suspected or confirmed whooping
cough with onset of cough within the previous 21 days.
