Treatment for coughs and colds, sore throats, ear infections and sinusitis

It is that time of year when more people are suffering from coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and sinusitis. This post tells you how long you can expect your symptoms to last and when you need to get help. This is based on the latest advice from Public Health England.

Fortunately most colds, coughs, sinusitis, ear infections and sore throats get better without antibiotics, as your body can usually fight these infections on its own. You may be wondering how long you can expect your symptoms to last:

• Most middle ear infections will get better in 8 days,
• Most sore throats will get better in 7-8 days,
• Most cases of sinusitis will get better in 14-21 days
• Most common colds will get better in 14 days
• Most coughs will be better in 21 days.

Some of our pharmacists are trained to examine people with minor eye, ear, nose and throat infections and where necessary can offer you the same treatment as your GP. Please phone your nearest branch of Evans Pharmacy to find out what services are offered near you. There is much that you can do to relieve your symptoms, whilst you are waiting to get better. Call into one of our pharmacies and we can give you advice and medicines to meet your needs. In general we recommend the following:

• Have plenty of rest
• Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty
• Fever is a sign that your body is fighting the infection and usually gets better by itself in most cases. You can use paracetamol if you or your child are uncomfortable as a result of a fever
• Use a tissue and wash your hands well to prevent spread of infection to your family, friends and others you meet.

For most people, infections will clear on their own. However if you have any of the following symptoms you need to seek help and to be assessed urgently:

1. If your skin is very cold or has a strange colour
2. If you feel confused or have slurred speech or are very drowsy
3. If you have difficulty breathing
4. If you develop a severe headache and are sick
5. If you develop chest pain
6. If you have difficulty swallowing or are drooling
7. If you cough up blood
8. If you are feeling a lot worse than you would expect.

If you or your child has any of these symptoms, are getting worse or are sicker than you would expect (even if your/their temperature falls), trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111 or your GP. If a child under the age of five has any of the symptoms 1-3 go to A&E immediately or call 999.

If you have the following less serious symptoms then you can usually wait until the next available appointment:

• If your symptoms last longer than the expected times listed above
• In children with middle-ear infection: if fluid is coming out of their ears or if they have new deafness.
• Mild side-effects such as diarrhoea, seek medical attention if you are concerned.

Will antibiotics help?

In most cases antibiotics are not necessary to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, sinusitis, or middle ear-infections. If you take antibiotics when you have a virus you will not get better any faster. You may also suffer side-effects such as rashes, thrush, stomach pains, diarrhoea, reactions to sunlight, if you take antibiotics. You may need to avoid alcohol.

Call into one of our branches if you are suffering and we will advise you on the best way to relieve your symptoms.

Summary

Service Type

Ear, eye, nose and throat examination

Provider Name

Evans Pharmacy,

Area

Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire

Description

Please call your nearest branch of Evans pharmacy to find out what services are available near you