- Allergies or itchy eyes
- Cold sores or fever blisters
- Colds
- Constipation
- Cuts and scrapes
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Sore throat
- Sprains or strains
- Sunburn
Allergies or itchy eyes
Call your provider or an ambulance immediately if:
You experience throat or chest tightness, or swelling of lips or tongue
For minor symptoms:
Take an antihistamine such as Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, or Claritin
For allergic conjunctivitis, use eye drops such as Naphcon-A
Use a decongestant such as Sudafed for nasal congestion, but do not use if you have high blood pressure
For insect bites or allergic skin rash, apply hydrocortisone cream
See your healthcare provider if:
The problem recurs frequently or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
Cold sores or fever blisters
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 such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or 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
Colds
For minor symptoms:
Get rest, and drink plenty of fluids
Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or 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
For a hacking cough, take a cough suppressant such as Robitussin DM
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
Constipation
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:
Your condition persists for several days
You have a fever
You experience stomach cramping, bloating, rectal bleeding, or nausea
Cuts and scrapes
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
Diarrhea or vomiting
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
Headaches
For minor symptoms:
Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or 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
Heartburn or indigestion
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
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 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
Sprains or strains
For minor symptoms:
Apply ice
Rest and elevate the injured area
Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or 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
Sunburn
For minor symptoms:
Avoid further exposure to the sun
Apply cool compresses to the area or take a cool bath
Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16)
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
Apply aloe gel to soothe area
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