education Supporting Training Initiatives the otc treatment clinic Common conditions and their treatment options This module has been endorsed with the NPA’s Training Seal as suitable for use by medicines counter assistants as part of their ongoing learning. Complete the questions at the end to include in your self-development portfolio module 189 Welcome to TM’s OTC Treatment Clinic series. This handy, four-page section is specially designed so that you can detach it from the magazine and keep it for future reference. Each month, TM covers a different OTC treatment area to help you keep up-to-date with the latest product developments. In this issue, we focus on nasal health and hygiene. At the end of the module there are multiple choice questions for you to complete, so your progress can be monitored by your pharmacist. You can find out more in the Counter Intelligence Plus training guide. The last six topics we have covered are: l Coughs l Oral care l Pregnancy-related skin conditions l Sore throats l Headlice l Irritable bowel syndrome You can download previous modules from www.tm-modules.co.uk Nasal health and hygiene author: Jane Feely, PhD for this module OBJECTIVES: After studying this module, assistants will: • Be familiar with the basic structure and function of the nose and sinuses • Be familiar with common conditions that can affect the nose • Know which OTC products can be recommended for common nasal conditions • Know which customers should be referred to the pharmacist • Be able to advise on lifestyle tips to help maintain good nasal hygiene. Whether you’re in the habit of keeping it to the grindstone, turning it up at things or even cutting it off to spite your face, there’s no denying that the subject of this month’s OTC Treatment Clinic is as plain as the nose on your face! But joking aside, how often do we actually stop and think about our nose and all the things it goes through – especially during the cold and flu season? We may not give our noses a second thought most of the time, but if we’re feeling stuffy and congested, or if our nose just won’t stop running, it certainly makes us feel under the weather. And have you noticed that if you can’t smell properly, your sense of taste is off too? This month we’ll cover conditions like rhinitis, nasal congestion, sinusitis and post-nasal drip – all of which are likely to be affecting a fair number of your customers this winter. What does the nose do? Well, the most obvious thing is our sense of smell. When we smell something – good or bad – molecules in the air we breathe stimulate special nerve cells in the nose. These olfactory cells are found in a small area high up in the nose and they connect directly to the brain. Many things can affect our sense of smell, including a cold, smoking, some medicines, nasal polyps or prolonged exposure to certain chemicals. The nose also acts as a vital processing system, treating the air before it enters the lungs. The nose is able to achieve all of these actions because of its specific structure. The nasal structure The nose is made up of a combination of bone and cartilage. At the top, around the bridge, the structure is bone. Towards the front, the nose is mostly cartilage and this continues inside, where a cartilage called the nasal septum divides the nose into two halves. Air enters into each of these halves through the nostrils. However, the nose TM JANUARY 2013 PULL OUT AND KEEP the otc treatment clinic sinus cavities become blocked, bacteria in the mucus may grow, leading to a sinus infection. reflective exercise Barry, 45, frequently travels by plane for work, but suffers from congestion during the flights. His partner read about something for dry nose and Barry asks if you know what this is. He does not take any medication and does not suffer from any other conditions. What would you recommend? A nasal solution or spray based on saline or seawater would be suitable. Such a product can provide natural relief from nasal congestion and would be useful for Barry as he spends a significant amount of time in a plane, which is a dry environment that could be the cause of his stuffy nose. What if: Barry asks for a product for his six-month-old son who, he says, has a slightly stuffy nose. He has no other symptoms. A saline or seawater preparation would be suitable. Such products are generally suitable for the whole family (but always check labels first). Stérimar Baby has a specific nozzle with a protective flange that prevents the spray being inserted too far into the nose. This helps to avoid the risk of injury in a baby or child up to the age of three. What if: Barry asks for a decongestant tablet for a blocked nose. He is taking lisinopril for high blood pressure. Decongestant tablets contain ingredients such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, which are not recommended for people who doesn’t stay divided. Towards the back of the nose, the two nasal cavities join together around the area called the nasopharynx. In this area you’ll also find the adenoid tissue and the Eustachian tubes, which link to the middle ear. (We detailed this area in September’s issue of TM, when we covered sore throats.) This is also where the tear ducts drain, explaining why your nose runs when you cry! The side walls inside the nose include three structures called turbinates. These are fingerlike projections of bone that divide the nasal cavity into three, groove-like passages. These increase the surface area inside the nose and regulate the flow of air through the cavity. The entire nasal cavity is lined with a membrane that produces a thin film of clear mucus. This helps humidify the air we breathe PULL OUT AND KEEP TM JANUARY 2013 have high blood pressure. Such a product would not be suitable for Barry. Refer him to the pharmacist who might recommend either steam inhalation (although care should be taken to avoid scalding with hot water) or an OTC product. Putting an inhalant on the pillow at night can also provide relief. What if: Barry describes symptoms of pain travelling from his nose to under his eyes. He says that the discharge from his nose is green. This sounds like a case of sinusitis, with possible infection. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become blocked and is often associated with a cold. Mucus produced in the sinuses normally drains into the nose. When mucus cannot drain from the sinuses, bacteria in the mucus may grow, leading to a sinus infection. Barry has green nasal discharge, which suggests an infection. He may require antibiotics and should be referred to a GP. What if: The customer is a 25-year-old woman who is suffering from a runny nose and a headache. A product containing an antihistamine and an analgesic would help to dry up the runny nose and treat the headache. If the product you recommend contains paracetamol, warn this customer not to take any other product containing paracetamol or at least to avoid doubling up on the paracetamol dose. in and traps particles like allergens, bacteria and viruses. If the inside of the nose is too dry, its various functions will be impaired. The nasal cavity is also lined with millions of tiny hairs called cilia. These hairs move in a rhythmic fashion and work together to propel particles and excess mucus out of the nose. The sinuses The sinuses are four pairs of air-filled cavities found in the bones of the face, around the nose and eyes. The same mucus membrane that lines the nasal cavity also coats the inside of the sinuses. Mucus produced here drains into the nose. Anything that blocks this drainage can lead to a build up of pressure in the sinuses and this can be felt as sinus pain or a headache. If the Rhinitis (runny nose) Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation and swelling of the mucus membrane inside the nose. This inflammation increases the amount of mucus produced and, as a result, customers may complain of a runny nose. Rhinitis can be defined by the duration of symptoms: l Acute rhinitis This is a short-lived condition, often triggered by a viral infection or an allergy. Viral rhinitis is usually linked to the common cold. Other possible viral culprits include the flu virus, and illnesses like bronchiolitis, chickenpox, rubella and measles. In addition to a runny nose, sufferers may complain of sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, cough and fever. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by an allergic reaction. The symptoms may be seasonal, such as with hayfever, or year-round if the allergen is pet dander or house dust mites. Symptoms also include sneezing, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes and nasal congestion. Some people suffer from what is termed vasomotor rhinitis, where the blood vessels in the nose are overly sensitive to things like bright lights, cold temperatures, paint fumes, spicy foods, stress, alcohol or tobacco smoke. l Chronic rhinitis This is a longer-lasting condition that may be caused by any of the following: • Atrophic rhinitis – the mucus membrane inside the nose thins and hardens, causing the nasal passages to dry out. This is more likely to occur in the elderly and may be accompanied by the formation of crusts inside the nose and an offensive odour. Sufferers may also report recurring nosebleeds and loss of smell • Hormonal imbalance – e.g. during pregnancy, puberty or when taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. An underactive thyroid gland is another possible cause • Rhinitis medicamentosa – this is caused by the overuse of nasal decongestants. You may have heard it referred to as rebound congestion. Nasal decongestants work by reducing the swelling of the nasal mucosa, but if they are used for too long they may cause the lining or the nose to swell again, triggering a re-emergence of symptoms. Overlapping conditions Many of the conditions discussed in this module tend to have some degree of overlap. In other words, it’s possible for someone with rhinitis to also report nasal congestion or someone with a stuffy nose to also suffer from sinus pain. the otc treatment clinic Nasal congestion Nasal congestion is another common symptom of infections such as colds and flu. It can also occur with allergies, hormone changes during pregnancy and exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke, etc. However, nasal congestion can also be linked to structural abnormalities, e.g. if the nasal septum is deviated or bent or if there has been an injury to the nose. In children, enlarged adenoids are a common cause of nasal congestion. The parent may report that the child breathes through their mouth and snores while asleep. With young children, there‘s also the possibility that they may have inserted a foreign object into their nostril. Consider this if the parent reports a foul-smelling discharge draining from one nostril. Sinusitis The term sinusitis simply means that the sinuses are inflamed and this is usually caused by an infection or an allergy. As mentioned, the sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones around the eyes and nose. Normally, mucus drains through small channels into the nose. However, if these channels get blocked, the sinuses can become congested and inflamed. The sinuses behind the cheekbones are most commonly affected. Sinusitis can be acute (symptoms last less than 12 weeks), or chronic (condition persists for longer). Symptoms may include: l Pain or tenderness in the forehead, cheeks or around the eyes l Headache l Fever l A blocked or runny nose l Cough l Loss of smell or taste l Bad breath. In addition, nasal secretions may be thick and range in colour from white to yellow/green or even be tinged with blood. Yellow or green mucus may be an indication of a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Post-nasal drip Normally, all mucus secretions from the nose drain to the back of the throat and are swallowed in a process we’re not usually aware of. However, sometimes a person may feel as if mucus is accumulating at the back of the throat. This is termed post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip may occur when a person is suffering from a cold or an allergy. Excess mucus production may mean they become more aware of it draining at the back of the throat. This drainage may also irritate delicate tissues in the area and trigger coughing. If the secretions from the nose are thicker than normal, this may make it feel like it is slow to drain or difficult to swallow. Thicker mucus may be linked to a sinus infection, dry air or an allergy to substances such as dairy products. Post-nasal drip may also be experienced in situations where the person has problems with their throat muscles or are not swallowing efficiently. Stress can be a factor here, as can gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). When to refer Symptoms which are severe or last longer than 10 days l A fever lasting for more than three days l Nasal discharge that is yellow/green and accompanied by sinus pain or pressure l Blood in the nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury l Change in vision or swelling around the eyes l Nasal congestion in a baby that causes difficulty feeding l A child who may have a foreign object inside the nose l Symptoms that initially improve but then worsen l Anyone taking prescribed medication for a chronic medical condition l Symptoms that persist despite the use of appropriate OTC medication. l OTC treatment options The OTC product of choice will depend on the person’s symptoms and the cause of those symptoms, although this may not always be obvious. Ask the WWHAM questions and refer to your pharmacist when necessary. Also, check all product labels and draw your customers’ attention to the correct dosage instructions. l Seawater and saline nasal sprays Nasal sprays based on seawater or saline can be used to give natural relief from a number of nasal conditions. For those who suffer from dry nose, or who spend time in dry environments, these sprays are also an option. The Stérimar range offers nasal sprays based on 100 per cent natural seawater that are suitable for the whole family, including babies and pregnant women. The products can be used alone or with medication. Stérimar Nasal Hygiene is an isotonic solution (i.e. the solution has the same salt concentration as cells in the human body), which can be used two to six times a day, or more if needed, for as long as required. The stronger Stérimar Congestion Relief is a hypertonic solution (i.e. the solution has a higher salt concentration than cells in the human body), which relieves congestion. It can be used between two and six times a day for a short period. Stérimar Baby has a specific nozzle with a Some topical decongestants can be effective for up to 12 hours protective flange that prevents the spray being inserted too far into the nose. This helps to avoid the risk of injury in children from birth to three years of age. Tixylix Saline Nasal Drops can be used to relieve a dry, irritated or blocked nose. Vicks First Defence Micro-Gel is a nasal spray based on plant extracts that traps germs and helps the body to remove them naturally. l Decongestants A blocked, stuffy nose can be relieved with OTC decongestants: • Oral decongestants These work by constricting the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This reduces swelling and opens up the nasal passages. As a result, the person feels less congested and breathes more easily. Examples of oral decongestants include phenylephrine (e.g. Non-Drowsy Sudafed Congestion Relief Capsules, Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Elixir) and pseudoephedrine (e.g. Contac Non Drowsy 12 Hour Relief, Non-Drowsy Sudafed 12 Hour Relief, Non-Drowsy Sudafed Children’s Syrup). Both active ingredients are also available in combination cold remedies or formulated with an analgesic to relieve pain. Decongestants are not usually recommended for children under 12, for women who are breastfeeding or for people who have certain health conditions such as high blood pressure. They should also be avoided by anyone taking antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Concerns have been voiced over the potential for misuse of products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society advises that products TM JANUARY 2013 PULL OUT AND KEEP the otc treatment clinic containing these active ingredients should only be sold by pharmacists or by suitably trained pharmacy staff under the supervision of a pharmacist. There are also limits on the quantities that can be sold and it is illegal to sell any pseudoephedrine product at the same time as an ephedrine product. • Topical decongestants These are applied as sprays or nasal drops and have a local action. Longer-acting topical decongestants such as xylometazoline (e.g. Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Nasal Spray, Otrivine Nasal Spray range) and oxymetazoline (e.g. Vicks Sinex Decongestant Nasal Spray, Vicks Sinex Soother) are effective for eight to 12 hours. Also available are shorter-acting ingredients such as ephedrine and phenylephrine (e.g. Fenox Nasal Drops). Topical decongestants work quickly but may cause rebound congestion if they are used for long periods of time. To prevent this, topical decongestants should not be used for more than five to seven days. Check individual product labels for details. l Inhalants A wide range of volatile substances or oils are available in products that can be inhaled, either directly or after being dissolved in hot water, although with the latter method, care should be taken to avoid scalding with hot water. Breathing feels cooler, easier and congestion is relieved after use. Common examples include menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, pine oil and camphor. OTC brands include Care Menthol & Eucalyptus Inhalation, Covonia Vapor Drops, Happinose, Karvol, Mentholatum Vapor Rub, Olbas, Snufflebabe and Vicks. l Combination cold remedies These products combine different active ingredients to target many cold and flu symptoms. Products may include an analgesic for aches, pains and fever, a decongestant for a stuffy nose and possibly an antihistamine to dry up nasal secretions or something to tackle a tickly cough. OTC ranges include Beechams, Benylin, Day Nurse, Lemsip and Vicks. Combination products are certainly more convenient than taking several different medicines and those that come in hot drink formulations may also add comfort value. However, when recommending combination products, be aware of the following: • Make sure that the person can safely take all of the ingredients in the product • Avoid any unnecessary medication – e.g. if the person doesn’t have a cough, don’t opt for a product containing an expectorant or a cough suppressant • Avoid doubling up on ingredients – e.g. if the combination product contains paracetamol, customers should not take additional paracetamol tablets for a headache • ‘Night time’ products may cause drowsiness, so alert customers not to drive or operate machinery while taking these products. l Hayfever remedies If the person’s nasal symptoms appear to be allergy related, an antihistamine may be recommended. We covered hayfever in detail in the April 2012 issue of TM. self-care tips l Keep nasal passages moist by using seawater or saline sprays, washes or drops l Drink plenty of fluids (e.g. water, fruit juices, fruit or herb teas or clear soups) to help clear nasal congestion l Steam inhalations, a hot steamy shower or a vaporiser may help a stuffy nose l Do not smoke and avoid smoky atmospheres l Be scrupulous about personal hygiene. Cover the mouth when sneezing; wash hands regularly; discard used tissues immediately; don’t share kitchen utensils or cups, especially when suffering from a cold l For children, raise the head of the bed a few inches or use extra pillows to ease any breathing difficulties l Use an OTC cold remedy appropriate to the symptoms. assessment questions: nasal health and hygiene For each question, select one correct answer. Discuss your answers with your pharmacist. 1. Which of the following statements is TRUE? a) The only function of the human nose is the sense of smell n b) The nose filters, humidifies and warms the air we breathe n c) The human nose is totally made up of cartilage – there is no bone n d) The inside of the nose needs to be kept dry in order to carry out all of its functions efficiently n 2. Which of the following statements is FALSE? a) The sinuses are four pairs of air-filled cavities found in the bones of the face n b) If anything blocks the drainage of mucus from the sinuses, pressure can build up and infection may result n c) Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the sinus cavities n d) Acute rhinitis is most likely linked to a viral infection such as a cold, or to an allergy like hayfever n 3. Which of the following statements does NOT apply to rhinitis? a) Vasomotor rhinitis can be triggered in sensitive individuals by things like bright lights, cold temperatures and spicy foods n b) Atrophic rhinitis occurs when the membrane inside the nose thins and hardens. It is a common concern in younger children n c) Hormonal changes can affect the nose, causing symptoms of rhinitis or nasal congestion n d) The overuse of nasal decongestants can cause rebound symptoms of rhinitis and nasal congestion n 4. Which of the following are possible symptoms of acute sinusitis? a) Pain or tenderness in the forehead, cheeks or around the eyes n b) Fever n c) A blocked or runny nose n d) All of the above n 5. Which of the following customers can safely self-medicate with an appropriate OTC product? a) A man in his early 40s reporting fever, sinus pressure and a nasal discharge that is yellow/green in colour b) A teenager whose symptoms started to improve but are now getting worse and have lasted longer than 10 days c) A young mother in her early 30s whose mild seasonal allergies come with occasional nasal congestion d) A child whose mother suspects may have poked a pea up his nose n n n n 6. Which of the following statements is TRUE? a) Nasal sprays based on natural seawater can provide relief from congestion, rhinitis, allergies and sinusitis n b) There are no limitations on the duration of treatment with OTC decongestants sprays n c) There is no danger of ‘doubling up’ on doses with combination cold remedies n d) Allowing the nasal mucosa to dry out is a recommended step in maintaining good nasal hygiene n Warning: The content contained in this module is the copyright of Training Matters and cannot be reproduced without permission in the form of a valid written licence granted after July 1, 2011. Unbranded pictures copyright Photodisc/Digital Stock/iStockphoto. Published under licence by Communications International Group Ltd, 162-168 Regent Street, London W1B 5TB. Tel: 020 7434 1530. Email: [email protected] OTC treatment in practice Common conditions and their treatment options Stérimar TM For a cleaner, healthier nose this winter... naturally Nasal congestion can really get a person down – in fact, it is reported to be one of the most bothersome symptoms of a common cold.1 But whatever the cause (a cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, etc), there is one brand UK doctors recommend to clear and cleanse the nasal passages of excess mucus and unwanted contaminants – Stérimar. Objectives After reading this article, you should be able to: • Understand the causes of nasal congestion • Offer customers appropriate treatment advice • Understand the benefits of using a natural seawater based nasal spray • Know where to go to for free CPD on nasal health. Who can use Stérimar? Stérimar is so gentle it can be used by any member of the family – even newborn babies and pregnant women.2 There are no known interactions with medicines, and can be used by those who cannot take medication. • Stérimar Congestion Relief – a hypertonic spray which is also suitable for children as young as three and has the added benefit of helping to relieve congestion, sinusitis, rhinitis and rhinopharyngitis • Stérimar Baby – a gentle, easy to use spray that can be used from birth. Key product features What causes nasal congestion? A blocked or stuffy nose can be caused by excess mucus and our natural immune response to cold and flu germs and allergens. While anyone can suffer, children and babies can be particularly susceptible since their nasal cavities are still developing and there is less space for air flow in the first place. What is Stérimar and how does it work? Tailoring the treatment Stérimar is a 100 per cent natural solution of seawater that comes in an easy to use microdiffusion spray. Packed with beneficial sea minerals, it has been clinically proven to cleanse the nasal passages as well as clearing them of excess mucus and unwanted contaminants before they can cause problems. There are three products in the Stérimar range, which can help to ease certain nasal conditions and allergies and keep the nose clean and healthy: • Stérimar Nasal Hygiene – an isotonic spray which can be used by adults and children, from the age of three to provide relief from allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis and chronic conditions • Naturally washes away germs, allergens and excess mucus • Provides relief from nasal conditions such as sinusitis and rhinitis • Keeps the nasal passages in optimum condition to help reduce the risk of further infections or allergic reactions • There is a product within the range for every member of the family, from pregnant women to small children and newborn babies • All products are 100 per cent natural, are gentle on the nasal mucosa, and have no contraindications with medicines • All products in the range are available on prescription and are recommended by doctors in the UK. 1. “A blocked and stuffy nose is one of the most bothersome symptoms of common cold” says the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi/subsites/cold/commoncold.html 2. Check product specificities ADAPTED FROM TRAINING MATTERS JANUARY 2013 promotion Action points • Ensure adequate stocks of each variety of Stérimar, particularly at this time of year when colds and flu are rife and congestion is often a troublesome symptom • Ensure new parents are aware that Stérimar is one of very few clinically proven medications that can be given to children and babies right from birth, to ease congestion. Scan the QR code to find out how to use Stérimar. The Stérimar Academy The Stérimar Academy is a free educational resource for healthcare professionals. It offers a wide range of business tools and CPD content for the whole pharmacy team, including CPD on colds and influenza. To find out more, visit: www.sterimaracademy.co.uk In practice... Claire Scott is a busy working mum and has three young children. She says they seem to catch one cold after another at this time of year and that they particularly struggle with sleeping at night. She asks if there is anything you can recommend, even though her youngest has only recently turned one. Firstly, you should reassure Claire that children are more susceptible to colds as their immune resistance to the cold and flu viruses is still at an early stage of development. They are also more likely to complain of congestion because their nasal cavities have yet to fully develop. Suggest that using Stérimar two to six times a day, including before bedtime, could really help clear their nasal passages – easing congestion so that they can all get a better night’s sleep. And because it is 100 per cent natural and based on seawater, there should be no problems with using Stérimar along with medication such as infant pain relief suspensions if they have other cold-related symptoms that also need addressing. What product should you recommend? Claire’s eldest two, being at school and nursery, could benefit from using Stérimar Congestion Relief (hypertonic) as it washes away cold and flu germs before they develop. If they are already complaining of being ‘bunged up’, it will help relieve congestion. Meanwhile, Claire’s baby could be given Stérimar Baby (isotonic) which comes in an easy to use spray and is gentle enough to be used from birth. Whichever product you recommend, emphasise that keeping noses clean and clear with Stérimar should have the added benefit of helping to reduce the risk of further infection. What other advice should you offer? Key points • Stérimar is the brand recommended by UK doctors. • Stérimar is available on prescription. To help promote restful sleeping when the children have colds, suggest they have a warm bath before bed and are propped up slightly higher than usual with an extra pillow. You should also let Claire know that Stérimar is available on prescription, which could save her some money – especially as she has three children. putting the OTC treatment clinic into practice Warning: The content of this module is the copyright of Training Matters and cannot be reproduced without permission in the form of a valid written licence granted after July 1, 2011. Unbranded pictures copyright Photodisc/Digital Stock/iStockphoto. Published under licence by Communications International Group Ltd, 162-168 Regent Street, London W1B 5TB. Tel: 020 7434 1530. Email: [email protected] THE MAGAZINE FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANTS ADAPTED FROM TRAINING MATTERS JANUARY 2013
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