Pregnancy can be a tough time for the digestive tract – the hormonal changes and increased pressure on the bowels from your growing baby puts you at higher risk of constipation, loose stool, abdominal pain and increased bloating. IBS may make this more pronounced. Mild symptoms will not put you or your growing baby at increased risk, but it may feel uncomfortable. As always, you should take care to avoid any food you know brings on IBS symptoms. Keeping well-hydrated is key, and gentle exercise can help regulate bowel movements and reduce stress. If you feel you need medication, there are options. One of our pharmacists will go through what’s safe. Pregnancy is a time of great change, and anxiety plays a part for most women. IBS sufferers will know that stress and anxiety can make IBS symptoms worse. So it’s important to keep yourself protected. Think of techniques that have helped in the past and start them before any flare-up. Or consider putting aside 20 minutes a day for something you find relaxing – reading, music, gentle yoga or putting a mindfulness podcast on.

Colpermin is a highly regarded name in the world of gastrointestinal health, known for its exceptional efficacy in addressing the diverse symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is available without a prescription, and suitable for adults and children aged 15 and above who have been diagnosed with IBS by their doctor. The key ingredient in Colpermin is peppermint oil, which is derived from the leaves of Mentha x piperita. Peppermint oil is a natural source of therapeutic compounds, with menthol being the most prominent one. Menthol is known for its remarkable ability to soothe the gastrointestinal tract by targeting muscle relaxation. By relaxing the muscles of the digestive system, Colpermin aims to alleviate the spasms and discomfort that are commonly associated with IBS. With its well-established track record and natural ingredients, Colpermin has emerged as a trusted and safe choice for those seeking relief from the symptoms of IBS.

Teething is a natural but challenging phase in a baby’s development, marked by the eruption of their first teeth through the gums. This process can cause discomfort and distress for both the baby and their parents. As your baby begins teething, finding effective ways to soothe their discomfort becomes a priority. Teething gels are among the common remedies used to alleviate teething pain, but understanding how they work and how to use them safely is crucial for ensuring your baby's well-being. Understanding Teething Teething generally begins around six months, but often can start earlier or later. As the teeth push through the gums, babies may experience symptoms such as Swollen and Tender Gums - The area where the teeth are emerging can become red and swollen. Increased Drooling - Teething often stimulates saliva production, leading to more drool. Irritability and Fussiness - The discomfort from teething can make babies more irritable and difficult to soothe. Difficulty Sleeping - Pain from teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, leading to restless nights. Understanding these symptoms helps in recognising when teething gels or other remedies might be needed to provide relief.

Earcalm Ear Spray is an over-the-counter treatment designed to relieve minor ear discomfort and infections. It is a convenient and non-invasive solution that can be used to manage symptoms such as earache, itching, and inflammation. The spray format allows for easy application directly into the ear canal, targeting the affected area effectively. Key Ingredients The primary active ingredient in Earcalm Ear Spray is acetic acid, which has antiseptic properties. Acetic acid helps to create an environment in the ear that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can be beneficial in treating minor ear infections and preventing further complications. Additionally, the formulation has supporting ingredients that may aid in soothing the ear canal and reducing inflammation. 4 Benefits of Using Earcalm Ear Spray Relief from earache - Earcalm Ear Spray provides symptomatic relief from earache by reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort. Treatment of minor infections - The antiseptic properties of acetic acid help manage and prevent minor bacterial and fungal infections in the ear. Ease of use - The spray format is user-friendly, allowing for precise application and reducing the need for manual cleaning or insertion of drops. Available without prescription - Earcalm can be purchased over the counter, making it accessible for those seeking relief without a prescription.

EarCalm is a spray used to treat minor infections affecting the external ear canal (otitis externa). Symptoms of this can include redness, itching, soreness, white or yellow discharge, and discomfort in one or both ears, although usually just one ear is affected. The active ingredient in EarCalm is acetic acid. It is designed to work by making your ear canal more acidic, which creates an environment that kills the bacteria and fungi responsible for the infection. EarCalm is suitable for adults and children aged twelve and above. It is also safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is not known to interact with any other medications. Therefore, you can use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alongside it to help manage any associated ear pain.

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against a wide variety of bacteria, and is used to treat minor bacterial eye infections. The eye drops can be used in children and adults over the age of 2 years and purchased from your pharmacy after discussing the symptoms with your pharmacist. In some situations your pharmacist may suggest an alternative eye treatment that could be more appropriate than chloramphenicol. Viral and fungal eye infections can cause very similar symptoms, but need different treatment. Due to the frequency that the eye drops need to be applied, using them at night is not advised, therefore the pharmacist may also suggest chloramphenicol eye ointment for use at night.

Chlorhexidine mouthwash is used to treat inflammation, swelling and bleeding caused by inflamed or infected gums (gingivitis). It works by killing microorganisms in the mouth, and can be used to speed up the recovery and reduce the pain from mouth ulcers, irritation caused by dentures and other painful mouth conditions. You should speak to your dentist or pharmacist for advice before starting using it for the first time. Chlorhexidine can be purchased from supermarkets and pharmacies either as the branded version Corsodyl or as a generic version. It is important to be aware that chlorhexidine can cause teeth staining and is for short term use only. Maximum treatment is 30 days unless directed by a Dentist or Doctor. Chlorhexidine can also appear in toothpaste’s and is used in other skin disinfectants too.

Cinnarizine is a drowsy antihistamine used to treat travel sickness (also known as motion sickness. It is suitable for adults and children aged five and above and you can buy it from your pharmacy without needing a prescription. Stugeron is a branded version of cinnarizine. Cinnarizine is available as tablets. They can be sucked, chewed, or swallowed whole with a glass of water. It is best to take cinnarizine after having something to eat to stop it from upsetting your stomach.

Discover the effectiveness and considerations surrounding decongestants, vital medications employed to alleviate temporary nasal congestion. This comprehensive article, delves into the treatment, mechanisms of action, appropriate usage, contraindications, potential interactions, and side effects associated with decongestants. Providing Relief from Nasal Congestion Decongestants serve as a short-term solution for individuals experiencing nasal congestion caused by various factors such as colds, flu, sinusitis, and allergies like hay fever. Well-known examples of decongestants include pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, and ipratropium bromide. These medications are readily available over-the-counter at pharmacies. Different formulations, including tablets, capsules, oral liquids, nasal sprays, nasal drops, and powders, are accessible to meet individual needs. It is important to note that only one decongestant product should be used at a time.

There are some scenarios where earwax should be treated proactively, such as earwax totally blocking the ear canal. Other symptoms that should lead to earwax treatment are if there is vertigo, hearing loss, earache, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or a cough that is thought to be caused by earwax.

Electroconvulsive therapy (also known as ECT) is a treatment for certain types of extremely severe mental illnesses that have not improved with all other treatment options. ECT is the process of passing an electrical current through the brain and stimulating a controlled seizure by placing an electrode on one side of the temple area of the head or an electrode on each side of the head. Before the electrical current that lasts between 6 - 12 seconds is delivered, the person is given a general anaesthetic and muscle relaxant. The treatment is normally done two times a week for a maximum of twelve times however it is stopped as soon as a response to the treatment is seen. How ECT works is not fully understood, but is thought that it changes the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Esomeprazole is a medication used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers. It is also used to protect the stomach lining from medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. Esomeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Tablets are the most common formulation, and small amounts can be purchased from pharmacies, shops, and supermarkets.