JANUARY is a miserable month for many of us – aside from the post-festive slump, many of us have been struck down by some sort of affliction.
With winter bugs and illnesses reigning rampant, it can harder than ever to snag a GP appointment.
From cold and fly symptoms to digestive issues – there are a number of conditions you can speak to a pharmacist about
Nearly five million patients in England wait longer than two weeks to see a GP, according to NHS data.
If you’re gearing up for a weeks-long wait to get your condition seen to by a doctor, you might be in luck.
If you’ve got one of 11 minor conditions, you can pop into your local pharmacy instead, experts at Landy’s Chemist shared.
Like doctors, pharmacists have extensive training in medicine use and can provide clinical advice as well as point you to the appropriate over-the-counter treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.
They’ll also be able to tell you when it’s important you see a GP or other healthcare professional, if your symptoms indicate you have a more serious condition.
From infections to minor injuries and skin conditions, here are 11 health conditions you don’t need a GP appointment for.
1. Cold and flu symptoms
It’s certainly not uncommon to be plagued by a cold or the flu at this time of year.
If you’re experiencing fits of coughing, congestion, a sore throat, a runny nose or fever, you can get these seen to by a pharmacist.
They’ll be able to advise you on what treatments to take and how to best alleviate your symptoms.
2. Allergies
Though hay fever season doesn’t tend to reach its peak until the weather warms up, it’s still possible to experience allergies in the depths of winter.
Dust, mould, pet dander and dust mites could all behind you sneezing, coughing and congestion, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Allergy symptoms can be pretty bothersome, but thankfully you can get them seen to promptly by a pharmacist.
You can also visit a pharmacy if you’re experiencing a minor allergic reaction, Landy’s Chemist added.
According to the NHS, symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
A runny nose or sneezing
Pain or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
Coughing, wheezing or breathlessness
Itchy skin or a raised rash
Diarrhoea
Feeling or being sick
Swollen eyes, lips, mouth or throat
But a serious allergic reaction requires more urgent help.
Use your adrenaline pen and call 999 for an ambulance if your lips, mouth or throat suddenly become swollen, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, your skin turns blue or you suddenly become drowsy, confused or dizzy.
3. Aches and pains
You can get minor aches and pains – such as a headache, muscle aches and joint pain – checked out by a pharmacist.
4. Digestive issues
Indigestion can cause you to feel pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, while a burning pain behind your breastbone could be heartburn.
You probably have diarrhoea if you’ve had more than three loose, watery poos in a row.
Meanwhile, if you’re straining over the loo, you might be suffering from constipation.
You can speak to a pharmacist about all four of these uncomfortable digestive conditions rather than waiting to see a GP.
5. Skin conditions
It can sometimes be hard to gauge how best to treat skin rashes or itchy bug bites.
A pharmacists can advise you about the best course of action for minor rashes, insect bites as well as sunburn.
6. Minor Infections
Your chemist can also help you with some minor infections, such as urinary tract infections.
They’re usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract, the tube where pee comes out from.
They’re more common in woman and can be pretty uncomfortable, causing a burning sensation when you pee, an increased need to go to the loo, cloudy or bloody wee and pain in your tummy or back.
You can also seek advice for minor skin infections.
7. Eye Conditions
See your pharmacists if you have red or irritated eyes or a minor eye infection.
But you should see a GP if your baby has red eyes, you wear contact lenses and have an eye infection, or your symptoms haven’t cleared up after two weeks.
8. Ear trouble
Having pain in your ear is something most of us assume we need to see a doctor about.
But a pharmacist can see to your earache, as well any wax buildup, Landy’s Chemist said.
9. Minor Injuries
You might already seek the help of your chemist for minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.
But you can also consult them about minor sprains and strains, according to Landy’s Chemist.
10. Oral health
You might think anything to do with your mouth is a dentist’s department.
But pharmacists can also give you advice on how to care for mouth ulcers, cold sores and gingivitis, a common form of gum disease.
It can cause your gums to become red, sore or to bleed.
11. Health checks
You can also get a few tests at your local chemist, instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment.
Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels assessed at your pharmacy.
Landy’s Chemist noted: “It’s important to remember that if your symptoms are severe or if you have any doubts, it’s essential to consult with a doctor, call 111 or head to A&E if it’s an emergency.
“Pharmacists can guide over-the-counter medications and minor illnesses, but they cannot diagnose more complex conditions.”