Tips for Common Symptoms

Allergies or Itchy Eyes
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 health care clinician if:

Throat or chest tightness, swelling of lips or tongue — call immediately.
Problem recurs frequently or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications.

Colds
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 health care clinician 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 severe headache or sinus pain.

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: 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 health care clinician if:

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

Constipation
For minor symptoms:

Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake
Take a stool softener such as Colace or fiber product as Metamucil®
DO NOT use laxatives, such as Ex-Lax, regularly
Increase activity and exercise
See your health care clinician if:

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 health care clinician 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.

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 health care clinician if:

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

Headaches
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 health care clinician if:

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

Heartburn/Indigestion
For minor symptoms:

Avoid spicy, acidic or other aggravating foods, and 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 health care clinician 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 health care clinician if:

Sore throat lasts more than a week.
Fever accompanies the sore throat.
You have difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking.
There are white patches on back of 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 injured area
Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen
See your health care clinician 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: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (note warning 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 health care clinician if:

Burn is accompanied by fever, vomiting, drowsiness or confusion.
Blisters form on large areas of the skin.
Blisters break and appear infected.

This information will be taken from http://web.mit.edu/