Tips for Common Symptoms

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.