OTC - Chapter 1

The Secret of Great Health Care

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OTC - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Know how to take inventory of your symptoms

You don't need to run to the doctor for every health problem. This is a waste of time and money.

You also do not need to go, just because it’s convenient. Working in retail health, I have had many people make this statement. "I was just coming in here to get some medication for my cough/congestion and I saw your clinic and thought I would just stop in and get something stronger."

Most of these people should not have wasted the health care system's money. They should have done a better job at evaluating their symptoms and determine how to best manage their symptom with over-the-counter medications. The drug store has many products that if used correctly, can stave off many doctor visits.

You can handle many problems with the drug store. This book looks at 30 problems that can often be managed with products picked up at the drug store. Sometimes you need further assistance than the drug store and this is outlined in each chapter as to when you need a doctor.

Categorize your problems – are you sure this is the problem?

The first step in evaluating your problem is to determine what is wrong. This ebook will help. When you have a complaint you can go to the chapter on that complaint and review. Each chapter is short and packed with essential information that you need to know to safely manage your condition. Determine the cause

To describe your symptoms here is a worksheet that will help you define your problem. This is a general form, but can be used for many complaints. Each chapter will review some of the things to look out for that are specific to the symptom that you are experiencing.

By taking an inventory of your symptoms you will be better able to determine how to classify it and how to treat it. It will help you determine if you have a red flag that will require a doctor's visit.

Table 1: How to define a problem

Describe your problem in one sentence. This may include, "My nose is stuffy or I have a rash on my leg or I have diarrhea".

Read the chapter on that problem.

Do you have any signs or symptoms that excludes yourself from self-treatment (red flags)? If yes, go to the doctor, if no move on to step 4

When did your symptoms start?

How frequently does it occur? Does it come and go? Is it constant?

Where is the problem located?

What makes the problem better? What makes it worse? Some key considerations include: Does movement make the pain worse? Does rest make it better? Do any particular positions, activities or foods make the symptoms better?

How severe is the pain/symptoms. Rate the pain on a scale from 0-10. (See pain scale)

List any associated symptom? These could include: fever, chills, pain, nausea, vomiting, burning with urination, etc

When did your symptoms start? What were you doing? What were you doing that day? Right before?

What is the cause of your symptoms?

Determine which product to use?

Determine how to use those products.

What would indicate you are getting better?

What would indicate you are getting worse and need a follow up with the doctor?

Pain Scale

0. No pain

Extremely mild pain
Very mild pain
Mild pain
Mild/moderate pain
Moderate pain
Moderate/severe pain
Severe pain
Very severe pain
Extremely severe pain
The worst pain you have every felt

Summary

This chapter helps you to define your problem. Before you run to the doctor, think. The doctor's office will result in a lot of frustration and poor care, if you do not think about your problems before your go.

The most important step is to determine if you can handle the problem without a health care provider. Most health care problems can be handled without the doctor. If you can than do what you can to get yourself feeling better and try to avoid the health care system.

Monitor your progress – if you worsen have a plan to get to the doctor. Know when you need to see your doctor, but realize that many problems can be managed without running to the health care system.