Self-care
For a lot of common ailments and illnesses there is no specific cure and they will be relieved with time and simple remedies available without prescription. Therefore, please do not expect your doctor to prescribe a drug for every problem. Discussion and advice may be far more useful and free from side effects.
Click here to access the NHS A-Z symptom checker, alternatively click on the topics below for useful information from the Self Care Forum:
- Low Back Pain
- Eczema
- Heartburn & Indigestion
- Fever in Children
- Constipation
- Headache & Migraine
- Coughs (Adult)
- Acne
- Sprains & Strains
- Sore Throat
- Otitis Media (middle ear infection)
- Common Cold
- Sinusitis
- Urine Symptoms in Men
- Urinary Incontinence in Adults
- Venous Disease (looking after your legs)
- COVID-19 (boosting your mood)
- COVID-19 (getting help from your pharmacist)
- Long Covid
- Conjunctivitis
- The Power of Self-Care
The chart below also offers some practical advice on how to approach your ill health:
Can you treat yourself at home?
We feel it is important that all households should keep a well stocked medicine cabinet at home to deal with minor ailments. Remember all medicines should be stored in a box or cupboard with a lock and kept well out of the reach of children. Always check the expiry date on medicines and do not keep them for future use, as they lose their effect or become dangerous.
Have you tried the NI direct Health & Wellbeing website?
NI Direct's health and wellbeing pages includes an A-z of health conditions with advice on how to treat a range of minor conditions yourself and where to seek medical advice.
Have you spoken with your pharmacist?
Pharmacists are qualified to dispense not only medicines, but also advice on a range of common complaints such as sore throats, aches & pains, colds and the flu.
They can also answer questions on medications and help you with advice on issues such as healthy eating & quitting smoking. Your pharmacist will be well placed to advise if you should see a GP with your complaint.
Do you need to seek emergency hospital treatment?
In cases of accidents or illness where there is an immediate risk to life you should go to the nearest A&E department or call 999 for an ambulance.
Follow this route in critical emergencies where there has been major blood loss, severe chest pain or loss of consciousness.