With all of the preparations for babies and young children, it is essential to check that they are suitable for the age of the child and that the parent understands the dose that should be used. Additional restrictions on the use of cough medicines in children under two years of age are being implemented and it is important to check the labelling and patient information leaflets for updated information. Since babies cannot describe their distress except by crying, the age of the child is an important factor in both diagnosis and treatment
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Coughs and colds are most often caused by virus infections in the upper part of the respiratory system (i.e. the part above the lungs) and are cleared from the body after a week or so by the immune system. From this it follows that prescription medicines, such as antibiotics, will not be of any benefit if only a virus infection is present.
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Self care and monitoring are essential activities for patients with diabetes. Those who can manage their conditions well are able to fit their treatment into their daily routine and retain some control over their condition.
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Secretion of wax by the ear is a normal protective mechanism. Whereas the occasional use of agents that soften hardened wax is appropriate, they should not be used if there is a history of perforation or discharge. The warming of the material to body temperature, the correct method of administration and the use of the right dose are all important. The practice of cleaning the ears with cotton buds is not recommended because it often pushes the wax further into the ear and exacerbates the problem.
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The
feet are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because of the
moist, warm environment that provides ideal growing conditions.
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Cystitis affects approximately one-third of women at some time or other.
Vaginal thrush is an infection that most women will suffer from at some time in their life.
Bacterial vaginosis accounts for up to 36% of all episodes of vaginal discharge.
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While
external haemorrhoids are easily recognisable as palpable perianal
swellings, internal haemorrhoids are not so easily recognised and
referral is advisable unless the patient is presenting with a
recurrence of a previously diagnosed condition.
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Regular washing of the hair and a balanced diet with sufficient water to keep hydrated are important factors for ‘good’ hair. Dyes and bleaches used in hair-colouring products together with excessive heat when hair is dried or straightened contribute to damaging hair.
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The peak season for hayfever is May to September, coincident with peak pollen production. The symptoms of allergy to pollen are sneezing, rhinitis, watery eyes, headache and nasal stuffiness. Antihistamines are an effective form of treatment. First- and second-generation antihistamines are equally effective but there is variation between individuals in their response to these drugs. Second-generation compounds, cetirizine and loratadine, are non-sedating in the vast majority of patients and do not interact with alcohol but interactions occur with some antifungals and antibiotics.
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Nowadays
we take it granted that, when feeding a newborn baby, 'breast is
best'. The benefits to both mother and baby (in particular the baby’s
immune system) are well known and seem to last beyond the first few
months of the baby’s life.
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Candida albicans is present and innocuous in the mouths of about half the population. It is an opportunistic pathogen. Oral thrush is common in infants because the immune system is immature and, in adults, recurrent candidal infection is often the first sign of immunosuppression.
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OTC
analgesics are intended for short-term use. Conditions requiring
long-term analgesia must be treated under medical supervision. There
are four types of painkillers (also called analgesics) that
can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
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The skin acts as a barrier to keep harmful materials and infections out and to keep water and other useful materials in the body.
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The amount of sleep that we require varies from person to person and with age. OTC medicines for sleep disorders are currently confined to traditional herbal remedies and should only be used at the recommended doses. Other drugs that have a sedative action are likely to add to the sedative effect of the herb.
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Tonics fulfill a perceived need, irrespective of whether a placebo response is the key to their action and some preparations also contain vitamins and double as supplements. Patients who use stimulants must be advised to follow the recommended dosing instructions and to limit use to a short period of time.
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Indigestion and dyspepsia, diarrhoea and constipation are such common conditions that patients usually have preferred products that have been used before and that are asked for by name. However, there are some circumstances that require careful management and so many products that vary in apparently small but significant ways that there is still considerable scope for expert assessment and advice.
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Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) achieves a low, sustained plasma level of nicotine to reduce craving but without a significant cardiovascular effect. Also it provides a tapered dosage regimen which prevents a withdrawal reaction. The variety of dosage forms that are available enables a specific regimen to be devised for each smoker.
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Vaginal thrush is an infection that most women will suffer from at some time in their life. The symptoms usually consist of itching and vaginal discharge, which is usually thick and white (like cottage cheese or curdled milk) but is sometimes watery. It usually has no smell. Occasionally the infection may cause burning or pain in the vaginal area during urination and sexual intercourse may be painful.
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The choice of agent for motion sickness preparations depends on the side effect profile, especially in respect of sedation or visual impairment and whether the consumer intends to drive. Although the efficacy of anti-emetics is reduced if they are not taken until symptoms appear, hyoscine is absorbed buccally (through the cheeks/mouth) and this may be particularly useful if vomiting is already present.
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Vitamin and mineral intake needs to be maintained for good health and the body’s needs increase during episodes of illness. In pregnancy, the additional demands of the growing foetus must be met to keep both mother and baby healthy and folate supplementation is essential to prevent neural tube defects. Vitamin deficiency secondary to malabsorption or drug treatment requires medical assessment and management.
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