Tips for Common Symptoms

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.