Tips for common symptoms

Call your provider or an ambulance immediately if:

• You experience throat or chest tightness, or swelling of lips or tongue

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 healthcare provider if:

• The problem recurs frequently or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications

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 healthcare provider if:

• Sores are excessive or do not heal
• Pain prevents you from eating or drinking
• You have severe or frequently recurring sores

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 healthcare provider 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 a severe headache or sinus pain

For minor symptoms:

• Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
• Take a stool softener such as Colace or a fiber product such as Metamucil
• Do not use laxatives, such as Ex-Lax, regularly
• Increase activity and exercise

See your healthcare provider if:

• Condition persists for several days
• You have a fever
• You experience stomach cramping, bloating, rectal bleeding, or nausea

For minor symptoms:

• Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water
• Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure
• Keep area clean and dry

See your healthcare provider 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 or more

For minor symptoms:

• Rest and sip clear fluids such as ginger ale, Gatorade, or broth
• Eat light foods such as crackers or toast
• If diarrhea persists, take Imodium A-D
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

See your healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms last more than two days
• Fluids won't stay down
• You experience high fever or dizziness
• There is blood in your stool
• You have diarrhea during the night

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 healthcare provider if:

• Headache persists or recurs
• Headache follows injury or trauma
• You experience fever, vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion
• Headache is severe or associated with neck stiffness

For minor symptoms:

• Avoid spicy, acidic, or other aggravating foods, as well as 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 healthcare provider if:

• Problem recurs or pain is severe
• Pain occurs with shortness of breath or other symptoms that suggest heart problems

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 healthcare provider if:

• Sore throat lasts more than a week
• You also have a fever
• You have difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
• There are white patches on the back of your throat or tonsils
• You have been exposed to someone diagnosed with strep throat
• You have tender neck lymph nodes

For minor symptoms:

• Apply ice
• Rest and elevate the injured area
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)

See your healthcare provider if:

• Problem lasts more than three days or pain is severe
• There is dislocation or misalignment
• You have difficulty moving the affected area
• There is black-and-blue discoloration

For minor symptoms:

• Avoid further exposure to the sun
• Apply cool compresses to the area or take a cool bath
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
• Apply aloe gel to soothe area
• To avoid sunburn, wear protective clothing and sunscreen

See your healthcare provider if:

• You also have fever, vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion
• Blisters form on large areas of the skin
• Blisters break and appear infected