Healthy Living

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating or excess wind
• Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
• A feeling of incomplete emptying after using the toilet
• Mucus in the stool

These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a professional assessment is recommended if symptoms are new, persistent or changing.

The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to symptoms. These can include:

• Increased sensitivity of the gut
• Changes in how food moves through the digestive system
• A history of gut infections
• Stress or emotional triggers
• Hormonal changes

IBS affects people differently, and triggers can vary from person to person.

IBS is often diagnosed using symptom-based criteria, after other conditions have been excluded. Sometimes tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions. Only a healthcare professional can make a diagnosis.

A healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms and may organise for tests to be completed, such as a blood test and a stool sample.

A UK-registered pharmacist can:

• Provide advice on symptom relief options
• Help you understand which OTC treatments may be appropriate
• Offer guidance on safe use of medicines
• Signpost you to further medical support when needed

IBS management varies from person to person. Approaches may include:

Lifestyle & dietary measures

• Eating regular meals and avoiding skipping meals
• Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy drinks
• Limiting high‑fat or highly processed foods
• Increasing soluble fibre (for some people)
• Keeping a food and symptom diary
• Considering a low-FODMAP diet under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional or dietitian

Stress & well-being management

Stress can worsen symptoms for some individuals. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or cognitive behavioural approaches may help.

Pharmacy treatments

• Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may help relieve symptoms for some people. A pharmacist can advise whether these are suitable for you.
• A pharmacist can advise on suitable options based on your symptoms and medical history.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and follow the instructions. Speak to a pharmacist or other healthcare professional if you are unsure.

You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
• Persistent change in bowel habit (especially over age 50)
• Ongoing diarrhoea
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Symptoms that wake you at night
• A family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease

These symptoms are not typical of IBS and require further assessment.

If you would like further advice, you can book an online consultation with a healthcare professional. Access trusted, discreet support from the comfort of your home with Medicine Marketplace.

Everyone experiences migraines differently, but here are some of the most common symptoms.

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain (often on one side)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
• Visual changes such as flashing lights or blind spots (aura)
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling generally unwell

If you develop sudden, severe head pain or symptoms that concern you, seek urgent medical attention.

• Migraine without aura: Typically no warning signs.
• Migraine with aura: Warning signs present, e.g., numbness or tingling, zigzag lines, dizziness.
• Migraine aura without headache (Silent migraine): May see flashing lights or have other symptoms, but there is no headache present.

Migraines can last for varying lengths of time depending on their severity. Some can last for a couple of hours, while others can last for multiple days.

Some people experience multiple migraines every week, whereas others may not experience them frequently, but still suffer from them.

Keeping a migraine diary (tracking symptoms, triggers, and timing) may help identify patterns and support better management.

Migraine triggers vary from person to person. Some commonly reported triggers include:

• Stress or lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Certain foods or drinks
• Not getting enough exercise
• Bright lights or strong smells
• Dehydration
• Irregular meals

It can be helpful to try to understand your triggers better, as you may be able to take necessary steps to avoid the triggers in the future.

Migraines may be managed in a variety of ways depending on the patient’s symptoms and personal circumstances.

A range of over‑the‑counter (OTC) treatments may help relieve migraine symptoms. Options may include:

Pain Relief Medicines

OTC pain relief options may help reduce headache pain when taken early in an attack. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow the instructions.

Combination Treatments

Some OTC products combine pain relief with anti‑sickness ingredients. These may be suitable for people who experience nausea with migraines.

Anti‑Sickness Medicines

We may be able to offer pharmacy‑only anti‑sickness treatments for migraine‑related nausea.

Important safety information

• Do not take more than the recommended dose of pain relief medicines.
• Avoid using these medicines too frequently, as this may lead to medication overuse headaches.
• Always check with a pharmacist if you are unsure which treatment is suitable.

Suitability depends on your individual health and current medications. A pharmacist can advise you.

Other treatments may include lifestyle changes, including dietary changes or increased relaxation.

Our pharmacists are trained to offer confidential advice on managing migraines, including:

• Guidance on suitable OTC treatments
• Support with identifying potential triggers
• Advice on when to seek further medical assessment
• Reviewing your current medicines to check for interactions

This service may be suitable for adults experiencing symptoms consistent with migraine who are looking for advice or over-the-counter treatment options.

It may not be suitable for everyone. Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms before making any recommendations.

If your symptoms are frequent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, a healthcare professional may recommend further investigation.

• Your migraines are becoming more frequent or severe
• OTC treatments are not helping
• Your symptoms change or feel unusual for you
• You experience migraines for the first time after age 40
• You have other underlying medical conditions
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are taking certain prescribed medications

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden, severe head pain, weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or vision loss.

Are you suffering from migraines and need some trusted guidance? Book an online consultation with one of our pharmacists.

We will assess your symptoms and provide advice on appropriate treatment options or next steps, where suitable.

Our pharmacists cannot diagnose medical conditions or replace your GP. If your symptoms require further investigation, we will advise you to seek appropriate medical care.

There are several types of urinary incontinence, and symptoms can vary from person to person:

• Stress incontinence: leaking urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising
• Urge incontinence: a sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leakage
• Mixed incontinence: a combination of stress and urge symptoms
• Overflow incontinence: passing small amounts of urine frequently due to incomplete bladder emptying

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose the type of incontinence. If you’re unsure, speak with a GP or pharmacist for guidance.

• Leaking urine during daily activities
• A sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Frequent trips to the toilet
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

These symptoms can also be linked to other conditions, so it’s important to seek advice rather than self‑diagnose.

Urinary incontinence can develop for many reasons, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause
• Prostate conditions
• Urinary tract infections
• Certain medications
• Constipation
• Obesity
• Neurological conditions
• Age‑related changes

A pharmacist can discuss possible contributing factors and help you decide whether further assessment by a GP is needed.

Treatment depends on the type and cause of incontinence. First-line treatments often include pelvic floor exercises and bladder training, which can significantly improve symptoms over time. Options may include:

Lifestyle measures

• Reducing caffeine and alcohol
• Managing fluid intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Stopping smoking

Pelvic floor exercises

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control. A pharmacist can direct you to trusted NHS resources or local support services.

Medicines

Some medicines may be prescribed by a GP or specialist to help manage symptoms, particularly for urge incontinence. These medicines require a clinical assessment and are not suitable for everyone.

Incontinence products

Your pharmacy may offer a range of products to support daily comfort and confidence, such as:

• Absorbent pads
• Protective underwear
• Bed and chair protection
• Skin‑care products for sensitive areas

These products help manage symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause. Our pharmacists can provide advice and guidance on which products may be suitable based on your needs.

These steps may help reduce symptoms or prevent worsening:

• Perform pelvic floor exercises regularly
• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid at once
• Limit caffeine and fizzy drinks
• Maintain good bowel health
• Keep a bladder diary to track symptoms

These measures support bladder health but may not replace medical treatment when needed.

Our pharmacy team can support you by:

• Offering confidential, judgement‑free advice
• Providing guidance on managing symptoms
• Giving support with choosing suitable incontinence products
• Signposting to GP or specialist services when needed

Speak to a GP or healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms are new or worsening
• You experience pain, blood in your urine, or recurrent infections
• Incontinence affects your daily life or emotional well-being
• You have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or neurological disorders
• You are unsure which type of incontinence you may have
• Sudden onset with neurological symptoms
• Incontinence with leg weakness/numbness (possible spinal emergency)
• Inability to pass urine (retention)

Seek urgent medical attention if you:

• Cannot pass urine or have severe lower abdominal pain
• Experience new weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder control
• Notice blood in your urine without infection
• Have unexplained weight loss or persistent pelvic pain

Early assessment can help identify the cause and ensure you receive appropriate care.

At Medicine Marketplace, we understand that urinary incontinence can be challenging to discuss.

We offer free initial online consultations with our pharmacy team to discuss your symptoms and provide advice on next steps. Consultations are available seven days a week from 9 am until 10 pm.

• White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums
• Redness or soreness in the mouth
• A cotton‑wool feeling or altered taste
• Cracking at the corners of the mouth
• Mild discomfort when eating or drinking

Other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it’s important not to self‑diagnose. If you’re unsure, speak with one of our pharmacists or another healthcare professional.

Oral thrush can develop when the natural balance of microorganisms in the mouth is disrupted. It often occurs through no fault of the individual. Contributing factors may include:

• Recent antibiotic use
• Wearing dentures
• Dry mouth
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Using inhaled corticosteroids
• A weakened immune system

A pharmacist can help identify possible triggers and offer advice on prevention.

Some antifungal treatments may be available from a pharmacy without a prescription, while others require a prescription from a GP. These may include:

• Miconazole (oral gel – available from a pharmacy)
• Nystatin (oral suspension – prescription only)
• Fluconazole (oral capsules – usually prescribed)

A pharmacist will assess whether treatment is suitable based on your symptoms, medical history, and any other medicines you are taking.

Miconazole oral gel can interact with certain medicines (including warfarin), so it is important to seek professional advice before use.

Oral thrush is common in infants and may appear as white patches that do not wipe away. Treatment for babies may differ from that for adults, and some products are not suitable for young children. Always seek advice from a pharmacist or GP before using any medicine for infants.

Miconazole oral gel is not usually recommended for infants under 4 months due to the risk of choking unless advised by a healthcare professional.

• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Rinse your mouth after using inhalers
• Clean and remove dentures at night
• Reduce sugar intake
• Stop smoking
• Attend regular dental check‑ups
• Avoid using antiseptic mouthwash excessively

These measures support overall oral health but are not a substitute for appropriate medical treatment when oral thrush develops.

Our pharmacy team can:

• Offer confidential advice
• Assess whether pharmacy treatment is appropriate
• Recommend suitable antifungal options if safe for you
• Advise when GP review is needed

While a pharmacist may be able to help initially, the symptoms may be too severe, or you may require alternative treatment. You should speak to a GP or healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms are severe or recurrent
• Difficulty swallowing
• Spreading infection (e.g. suspected oesophageal thrush)
• You have a weakened immune system
• You are unsure whether it is oral thrush
• Symptoms do not improve after treatment
• A baby under 4 months has symptoms

Prompt assessment ensures you receive the most appropriate care.

If you suspect oral thrush, then you should book a consultation with our pharmacists, who will assess whether pharmacy treatment is appropriate for you. Appointments are available seven days a week from 9 am until 10 pm.

Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected. People with a UTI may experience:

• A burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Sudden or urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy or strong‑smelling urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort

More serious symptoms, such as fever, back pain, or nausea, may indicate a more complicated infection and require medical attention.

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important not to self‑diagnose. A proper assessment is required to confirm whether your symptoms are caused by a UTI.

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Contributing factors may include:

• Being sexually active
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Urinary catheters
• Enlarged prostate in men
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

A pharmacist can help identify possible triggers and offer advice on prevention.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Here are some of the options that may be suitable for you.

Pharmacy treatment

Some uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16–64 may be treated through a pharmacy service, depending on symptoms, medical history, and eligibility criteria.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be supplied through certain pharmacy services or prescribed by a GP when clinically appropriate. They are not suitable for everyone and are only recommended when necessary.

Self‑care measures for a UTI

These steps may help relieve symptoms:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Using heat pads for abdominal discomfort
• Taking simple pain relief if it is suitable for you

Self‑care measures can support comfort but do not replace medical treatment when needed.

These simple habits may help reduce the risk of UTIs.

• Stay well‑hydrated
• Avoid delaying urination
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
• Urinate after sexual activity
• Wear breathable underwear
• Avoid perfumed soaps or intimate products

These steps support urinary health but cannot guarantee the prevention of UTIs, as they can happen to anyone.

• We can provide confidential advice about UTI symptoms
• We can complete an assessment to determine whether pharmacy treatment is suitable
• We can offer guidance on self‑care and prevention
• We can provide a referral to a GP or urgent care service when needed

Our service is not suitable for emergency or severe symptoms. If you feel unwell or your symptoms are severe, seek urgent medical attention.

Speak to a GP or healthcare professional urgently if you experience:

• Fever, chills, or shivering
• Pain in your back or sides
• Blood in your urine
• Symptoms that worsen or do not improve
• Recurrent UTIs
• UTI symptoms during pregnancy
• Symptoms in children or older adults

Prompt assessment ensures you receive the most appropriate care.

If you are concerned about mild symptoms of a urinary tract infection, then you should book a free online consultation with our qualified pharmacists. We provide online, discreet care so you don’t even need to leave your home.

Book a free consultation to discuss your symptoms and receive appropriate advice and, where suitable, treatment options.