Minor Ailments Pharmacist Can Diagnose And Treat

Patients Can Visit A Pharmacist For Minor Ailments

Back in the days, so many Nigerians believe that the place of the pharmacist is simply to dispense medications to patients.

This is the 21^st century where the pharmacist has an active role to play in the lives of patients. Welcome to the 'World of Pharmacy.'

Read Also: When And Why Self-Medication Is Proper In Nigeria

Pharmacists are well-trained medical personnel that are drug experts. They know about drugs than any other health care providers. However, they are not expert in the disease state. Nevertheless, that does not take away the fact that they know some details of some minor illness giving them a chance to treat those conditions. Your nearest pharmacist can treat these ailments. Therefore, the next time you feel any slight signs and symptoms, please consult your pharmacist.

Minor Ailment

A minor ailment is a condition that can easily be diagnosed and managed with minor treatment and/or self-care strategies. They are usually short-term conditions that do not require any blood or laboratory test.

List Of Minor Ailments That Can Be Treated By The Pharmacist

1. Dyspepsia (indigestion)
2. Gastro-oesophageal influx disease (acid reflux)
3. Nausea
4. Non-infectious diarrhoea
5. Haemorrhoid
6. Allergic rhinitis
7. Cough
8. Nasal congestion
9. Sore throat
10. Mild headache
11. Minor joint pain
12. Minor muscle pain
13. Minor sleep disorder
14. Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramp)
15. Emergency contra exophthalmia (dry eyes)
16. Oral ulcers
17. Oral fungal infection (through)
18. Fungal infection of the skin (such as athletes’ foot)
19. Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
20. Threadworms and pinworms
21. Herpes simplex (cold sore)
22. Contact allergies dermatitis (skin)
23. Reaction from coming into contact with an allergen
24. Mild acne
25. Mild to moderate eczema
26. Mild urticarial (including bites and stings)
27. Hives
28. Impetigo
29. Dandruff
30. Calluses
31. Corns
32. Wats (excluding facial and genital)
33. Smoking cessation
34. Wound and dressing
35. Muscles and joint injuries including strains and sprains
36. Minor laceration and cuts
37. Infected wounds

How It Is Done

Just like in a medical diagnosis from a medical doctor, after diagnosis, a treatment plan is made with considerations on factors such as patients’ age, sex, etc. the patient is then monitored for improvement till the end of the treatment regimen. Drugs are prescribed and dispensed why the patient is monitored.

Read Also: Things To Expect When You Visit A Doctor For Medical Diagnosis

In cases whereby patient already knows disease condition and drugs to take, the pharmacist has the capacity to carry on management on some occasions.

However, in a situation whereby during the diagnosis, the pharmacist could not establish the ailment or it is one that requires medical attention, such patients will be referred. In addition, when the initial treatment fails, the patient will also be referred.

Advantages Of Visiting Your Pharmacist For Treatment

Pharmacist is available more often than medical doctors including evenings and weekends

Pharmacists can assist the patient when a doctor has already established a diagnosis

It saves time to visit the hospital, cost as pharmacist do not charge consultancy fee (for now) and life in cases of emergency.

I have not seen any disadvantages to this practice yet. Now you all know when it is proper to visit your pharmacist.

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