Juliepenfold.co.uk
M i n d & B o d y A n A l g e s i c s
It doesn’t
hurt to ask
If you find the wide array of pain-relief options on the market
bewildering, your pharmacist should have all the answers.
Words: Julie Penfold Illustration: Toby Morison
When you need pain relief
Options: “Analgesics such as
over-the-counter (OTC) remedy options for headaches,” says
Period pain
Symptoms: lower abdominal
Options: “NSAIDs such as
Hertfordshire. “You also need to take into account contra-indications |-
“Paracetamol is very
effective in treating
mild to moderate pain
medication you’re already on.”
caused by headaches”
Headaches
Symptoms: tension headaches
are the most common type.
How they work: paracetamol
both sides of the head – or one
Take with caution: pregnant
Arshid adds: “If pain persists, women or people with asthma,
How they work: ibuprofen
Take with caution: never
Joint pain
Symptoms: stiffness, reduced
28 benhealth Summer 2013
SEASONAl AcHES ANd PAINS
• Sunburn: if you find your skin going pinker than planned,
taking paracetamol or one of the NSAIds can help to minimise
any mild discomfort. If there are associated signs of heatstroke
or burns, especially in babies and children, seek medical help.
• Insect bites: applying a topical antihistamine cream can
relieve their redness and itchiness. For additional pain relief,
paracetamol is the best option.
“NSAIDs can help to ease
musculoskeletal pain and
reduce inflammation in
affected joints by speeding
up the healing process”
Stomach upsets
Symptoms: bloating, trapped
Options: “Simeticone is an
to relieve the symptoms associated with trapped gas,”
• Paracetamol and
ibuprofen can be given to
babies as young as three
months old, but aspirin is
unsuitable for children
aged under 16.
• With any over-the-
counter medication –
particularly paracetamol
– it is important to follow
the instructions and not to
How they work: simeticone is
exceed the stated dose.
• If your pain persists or
you have any concerns
about your health, consult
ASK THE EXPERT
How they work: NSAIDs can
Options: “NSAIDs – for
Take with caution: antacids
spray or oral painkiller – are the up the healing process.
Take with caution: for
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Source: http://www.juliepenfold.co.uk/uploads/file/Benhealth%20Pain.pdf
Social Science & Medicine 69 (2009) 14–20The promotion of olanzapine in primary care: An examination of internal industrydocumentsDepartment of Psychology, Metropolitan State University, 1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108, United StatesMedia reports have discussed how olanzapine was marketed off-label for dementia and subsyndromalbipolar disorder. Much of this marketing occur
PRECONCEPTION HEALTH SCREENING & TUNE-UP FORM Are you planning to become pregnant in the next six months? YES NO PLEASE CHECK THE BOX AND FILL IN (OR CIRCLE) OTHER INFORMATION THAT APPLIES TO YOU. DIET & EXERCISE MEDICAL/FAMILY HISTORY Do you currently have or have ever had. Do you follow a special diet (vegetarian, diabetic, other)? Do you eat raw or under cooked food (mea