In practice (I)
IN PRACTICE
Jacinta is in her 20s. She is studying for her exams and has a really runny nose. She thinks that it's hay fever as it seemed to happen around the same time last year and she doesn't feel like she has a cold. She hasn't tried anything before and isn't taking any other medicines. What advice can you give to help Jacinta?
Advise her that she should see her GP
INCORRECT - you can find out more about her symptoms and any other medication she is taking and recommend a product. Mild to moderate hay fever is a minor ailment that pharmacists can give advice on
Recommend using a steroid nasal spray
INCORRECT - as her main symptom is a runny nose, an oral antihistamine may be more suitable
Give Jacinta advice on how to avoid pollen
INCORRECT - as well as advice, you can recommend a product as appropriate
Recommend antihistamine capsules, such as Benadryl® Allergy Relief and give advice on avoiding pollen
CORRECT - as her main symptom is a runny nose, an oral antihistamine would be suitable. It can be taken as required, and for hay fever sufferers, this may be morning and evening when pollen levels peak. Self-care advice to avoid pollen may also help minimise her symptoms