Minor Ailment Assessment

More commonly referred to as hay fever, is an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergic reaction to airborne substances.

Treatment may include antihistamines (systemic, ophthalmic, intranasal), decongestants(systemic, topical), intranasal corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, intranasal anticholinergics.

Pharmacists can now prescribe hormonal contraception (the pill, patch, injection, etc.) for the purpose of birth control.

This service is only for those seeking a method of birth control. Pharmacists cannot provide this service if reasons you require birth control are not for contraceptive purpose (such as managing menstrual cramps, acne, etc.).

During the assessment process, they will work with you to determine the therapy that best meets your needs. You and your pharmacist will select the most appropriate method of birth control based on your medical history, medications, risk factors, guidelines and your preferences. Pharmacists may only prescribe intra-uterine methods (also known as IUD or IUC) of birth control when practicing as part of an arrangement with a primary care provider who can conduct an appropriate physical exam and insert the device. An initial three-month trial is usually prescribed for new treatment. The pharmacist will follow up with you to re-assess. Once an appropriate therapy is established, your prescription may be valid for up to one year.

During your consultation, the pharmacist will provide you with information on proper use of your birth control, what to do when you miss a dose, and possible adverse reactions. Your pharmacist will provide you with information and resources pertaining to other sexual health topics (such as sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction, assault, abortion, and screenings for cancer). They will also assess for any potential sexual health risk factors.

Your pharmacist will send your primary care provider (or specialist) a notice of what they have prescribed. If you do not have a primary care provider, your pharmacist can provide you with a copy of this notification.  

There is no cost to you for this service when you present your Nova Scotia Health Card.

• Callus: Thickened skin due to chronic rubbing or irritation. Localized hyperplasia of the stratum corneum of the epidermis due to pressure or friction.
• Corn: a horny induration and thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, caused by friction and pressure and forming a conical mass pointing down into the dermis, producing pain and irritation

A disease caused by a herpes simplex virus, characterized chiefly by a cluster of small, transient blisters (cold sore) at the edge of the lip or nostril.

Irritant contact dermatitis (A) produces red, dry itchy patches usually on the hands, fingers and face. Common irritants include soap, detergents and skin-cleaning products. Allergic contact dermatitis (B) produces a red rash, bumps and sometimes blisters.

An excessive amount of scaly material composed of dead, keratinized epithelium shed from the scalp that may be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Cyclical, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may also radiate to the back and thighs, occurring before and/or during menstruation, and can be primary or secondary.

A chronic or recurrent epigastric (upper abdomen) pain, postprandial fullness or early satiety of at least 3 months' duration. Other symptoms may also include bloating or nausea.

Troublesome or frequent acid regurgitation or heartburn (a burning feeling in the stomach or lower chest rising up to the neck). GERD is also associated with epigastric pain, nausea, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and

odynophagia (pain with swallowing). Extra-esophageal or atypical manifestations of GERD are also possible and include cough, sore throat, chest pain, hoarseness, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Enlarged veins in the anus or lower rectum. They often go unnoticed and usually clear up after a few days, but can cause long-lasting discomfort, bleeding and be excruciatingly painful. Hemorrhoids (also called piles) can be divided into two kinds, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the anus or lower rectum, beneath the anal or rectal lining. External hemorrhoids lie outside the anal opening. Both kinds can be present at the same time.

A superficial bacterial infection of the skin, generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus although Streptococci have also been implicated. It is a common infection in infants and young children, often presenting around the nose and mouth.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected blacklegged tick. In Nova Scotia, only the blacklegged tick carries the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and not all blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria. Ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood. In most cases, a tick carrying the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease must attach and feed for at least 24 hours before the bacteria can be transmitted. Lyme disease cannot be transmitted by touching, kissing or being near an infected person.

There is no cost to you for this service when  you present your Nova Scotia Health Card.

An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin that is marked by the eruption of pimples or pustules, especially on the face.

Tension headache is the most common type of headache. It is bilateral and described as a dull ache with a pressing or tightening sensation across the forehead.

Migraine is a pulsating and throbbing headache. It may be present with or without aura (visual disturbances, sensory, motor or language alterations). It is typically unilateral, affecting one side of the head, although it can be bilateral. Migraine can be accompanied by any or all of nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light) or phonophobia (sensitivity to sound). Pre-disposing factors include depression, anxiety, head/neck trauma and hormonal changes, such as menstruation or ovulation.

A noncontagious inflammation of the skin, characterized chiefly by redness, itching, and the outbreak of lesions that may discharge serous matter and become encrusted and scaly, often accompanied by intense itching or burning.

A skin condition characterized by the formation of itchy red or whitish raised patches, usually caused by an allergy. Also known as hives.

Pain in a joint or joints.

Pain or tenderness in a muscle or a group of muscles, usually diffuse and non-specific.

A disturbance of the normal sleep pattern.

A feeling of sickness in the stomach characterized by an urge to vomit.

Involves a variety of physical, psychological and behavioural factors. Nicotine acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness and sense of well-being as well as heart rate and blood pressure. Due to rapid delivery to the mesolimbic pleasure-reward system in the brain, nicotine is highly addictive. With continued use, chemical and biologic changes occur in the brain and tolerance develops very quickly. Nicotine addiction is characterized by cravings for continued smoking, a tendency to increase usage and profound physical and psychological symptoms elicited by withdrawal.

Excessive and frequent evacuation of watery feces, usually indicating gastrointestinal distress or disorder.

A contagious disease caused by a fungus, Candida albicans, that occurs most often in infants and children, characterized by small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, and usually accompanied by fever, colic, and diarrhea.

A blister on the mucous membranes of the lips or mouth.

An early start of antiviral medications for patients with shingles (herpes zoster) is very important. Pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for this condition.

During  your assessment, if your pharmacist finds that you have symptoms that can lead to more serious complications (such as vision impairment), they will refer you to emergency care.

There is no cost to you for this service when  you present your Nova Scotia Health Card.

Your pharmacist will provide information on skin care management, vaccines to prevent recurrence and answer any questions you may have.

After your consultation, your pharmacist will follow-up with you to assess the effectiveness of your treatment and determine if you are experiencing any side effects.   

Your pharmacist will send your primary care provider (or specialist) a notice of what they have prescribed.  If you do not have a primary care provider, your pharmacist can provide you with a copy of this notification.

Note: this service is for those who think that they have shingles. Pharmacist can also assess, prescribe, and administer the shingles vaccine.

• Threadworms: small threadlike worm infesting human intestines and rectum especially in children.
• Pinworms: a parasitic nematode worm, Enterobius vermicularis, infecting the colon, rectum, and anus of humans.

cough, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, fever, headache, malaise

The presence of micro-organisms (for example, bacteria) in the urinary tract, which includes the urethral opening up to and including, the kidneys. It has an acute onset with rapid progression of symptoms which may include some or all of the following - Dysuria (painful, burning sensation while urinating), Urgency (sensation of need to urinate often), increased frequency of passing urine, often with urgency, Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, Hematuria (blood in the urine), Lower abdominal pain or cramping, Malodorous or cloudy urine, Fever, chills, Nausea and vomiting.

There is no cost to you for this service when  you present your Nova Scotia Health Card.

Infection with a fungus of the genus Candida, especially C. albicans, that usually occurs in the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, respiratory tract, or vagina but may invade the bloodstream, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

A hard rough lump growing on the skin, caused by infection with certain viruses and occurring typically on the hands or feet.

Extreme dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva, often resulting from a deficiency of tears, and vitamin A.