The question of when to head to hospital is nearly always clear, but deciding what is worth a visit to the doctor is rarely black-and-white. We don’t want to waste our doctor’s time or take their time away from someone who needs it, but we don’t need to suffer through our minor ailments, either. So, how do we know what to get help with and where can we go to treat minor ailments in Birmingham? Read on to find out!
What is a minor ailment?
Minor ailments include a wide range of health issues, such as:
– Acne, dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, and other skin issues
– Conjunctivitis and dry eyes
– Mild coughs and cold symptoms
– Cold sores and mouth ulcers
– Athlete’s foot, warts, and verruca
– Constipation, indigestion, and heart burn
– Thrush and cystitis
– Mild aches and pains
– Bites, stings, hayfever, and other mild allergic reactions
– Head lice, worms, sore gums, teething, and nappy rash
How do I spot minor ailments?
Minor ailments often become apparent with mild to moderate discomfort in the affected area, which may be pain, aching, stinging, or itching. These symptoms are often accompanied by inflammation in the area. In most cases, these minor ailments will not disrupt your daily life, but may prove distracting. If you use the right over-the-counter treatments you can buy at local supermarkets or from your local pharmacist, the symptoms should remain minor and clear up within a few days without a visit to the doctor.
If you aren’t sure what treatment is best, your local pharmacist will be able to give you free advice and guide you to the right medicine, if needed. In some cases, you may not need treatment and your pharmacist can put your mind at rest that you’re doing everything you should be. However, it is worth noting that some of these minor aliments will not clear up quickly or as easily if you do not seek treatment.
How can I treat minor ailments in Birmingham at my local pharmacy?
The Minor Ailments Scheme is an NHS scheme that provides free treatment for minor ailments to anyone registered with a local GP, who is suffering from a minor ailment (such as those covered above), and is not required to pay for their prescriptions. To take advantage of this scheme, you simply need to go to your pharmacist for advice and tell them you don’t pay for prescriptions. You need to bring your ID and NHS number with you to receive free treatment.
Where can I treat minor ailments in Birmingham?
If you have a minor ailment or need advice about an ailment you have, you can come to Saydon Pharmacy in Birmingham for free advice and affordable or free treatment if you qualify for the Minor Ailments Scheme. If you can’t get a doctor’s appointment or aren’t sure if you need one, our pharmacists are clinically trained to assess what treatment you need and so can refer you to your GP if needed. You don’t need an appointment, and our friendly staff will always be happy to talk you through your options and ensure you get the right treatment for you. To find out more, click here.
Don’t let a cough or a cold get in the way of your daily life –
Visit us for a simple solution today!
Visit Us
This blog post was written on behalf of Saydon Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
We are now offering flu jab clinics on Wednesdays, so why wait to protect yourself?
Call us to book your appointment!