Understanding Minor Ailments: A Patient's Guide to Learning About Ontario's 19 Minor Ailments

Parmazip Team

Parmazip Team

— 7 min read
Understanding Minor Ailments: A Patient's Guide to Learning About Ontario's 19 Minor Ailments

Whether you have experienced some or a lot of the symptoms of any of the minor ailments, it pays to know and learn more about these conditions to help manage common health issues more effectively. Here is a quick and easy guide for each of the 19 conditions to get a better understanding of their nature, symptoms, treatments, dietary considerations, and potential complications when left untreated.

Acne is a multi-factorial skin disorder with blockage and/or inflammation.

1. Acne

Description: Acne is a common skin condition characterized by inflamed or infected sebaceous glands.

Symptoms: Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts; Acne is often accompanied by dark spots or patches called hyperpigmentation.

Treatments: Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics

Foods to avoid: High-glycemic foods or foods high in GI such as white rice or whole wheat bread, and sweetened dairy products.

Complications: Scarring, pigmentation changes, and psychological distress

Pruritic or itchy symptoms in the eyes, nose, and/or palate cause irritability and fatigue from allergens - one of the common symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Image courtesy of irglover, https://www.flickr.com/photos/irglover/3596324442

2. Allergic Rhinitis

Description: Inflammation of the nasal airways due to allergens

Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose, post-nasal drip, cough, and nasal congestion

Treatments: Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants

Foods to avoid: Common food allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten

Complications: Sinusitis, ear infections, sleep disturbances

Image courtesy of eyesnightclosed, https://www.flickr.com/photos/eyesnight/1733201863
Image courtesy of eyesnightclosed, https://www.flickr.com/photos/eyesnight/1733201863

3. Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)

Description: Small, painful sores inside the mouth or on the gums and inner lips

Symptoms: Round, white or yellow sores with a red border

Treatments: Topical corticosteroids, mouth rinses, oral pain relievers

Foods to avoid: Spicy, acidic, and rough-textured foods

Complications: Severe pain, difficulty eating and speaking

Most oral fungal infections are caused by the Candida species which is part of the normal oral flora in 25-75% of healthy adults.

4. Candidal Stomatitis (Oral Thrush)

Description: Fungal infection in the mouth caused by the fungus species Candida which is a normal mouth organism but can be a problem when there is an overgrowth and cause symptoms

Symptoms: White lesions or patches on the tongue and inner cheeks, soreness

Treatments: Antifungal medications, good oral hygiene

Foods to avoid: Sugary foods, alcohol

Complications: Spread of infection, difficulty swallowing

Conjunctivitis varies in the clinical presentation of its discharge, itchiness, redness, or typical presentation. Image courtesy of Daemonanyndel, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:An_eye_with_conjunctivitis.jpg

5. Conjunctivitis (Bacterial, Allergic, and Viral)

Description: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the eye

Symptoms: Redness, itching, mucus discharge, tearing, painful and burning eyes

Treatments: Antibiotic eye drops (bacterial), antihistamines (allergic), supportive care (viral)

Foods to avoid: Sugary and starchy foods, common food allergens like nuts and dairy

Complications: Keratitis or an inflammatory condition that affects the cornea, or vision problems

Clinical features of atopic dermatitis: erythema, papules, excoriations, erosions, dyspigmentation and lichenification. Image courtesy of Elaine C. Siegfried, Adelaide A. Hebert https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/4/5/884

6. Dermatitis (Atopic, Eczema, Allergic, and Contact)

Description: Skin inflammation causing redness, itching, dry skin, and sometimes blisters; Has many causes and forms and often involves itchy, dry skin or a rash

Three common types of this condition are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema.

Symptoms: Itchy, red, swollen skin; blisters in severe cases

Treatments: Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines

Foods to avoid: Trigger foods (varies individually), processed foods

Complications: Skin infections, chronic itching, and discomfort

Diaper dermatitis presents in two ways: Candidal Dermatitis and Irritant Diaper Dermatitis. Learn from a pharmacist to help differentiate your child's symptoms.

7. Diaper Dermatitis

Description: Inflammation of the skin covered by a diaper

Symptoms: Red, sore, and sometimes blistered skin

Treatments: Barrier creams, frequent diaper changes, air exposure

Foods to avoid: Foods that cause diarrhea

Complications: Secondary bacterial or fungal infections

The symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea tend to improve with age while pain that progressively worsens with age may suggest underlying pelvic pathology and secondary dysmenorrhea.

8. Dysmenorrhea

Description: Painful menstruation

Symptoms: Cramping, lower abdominal pain, back pain

Treatments: NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), hormonal contraceptives, heat therapy

Foods to avoid: Caffeine, alcohol, salty foods

Complications: Severe pain, interference with daily activities

Image courtesy of BruceBlaus, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GERD.png

9. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Description: Chronic acid reflux condition

Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain

Treatments: Antacids, H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors are medicines that reduce the production of stomach acid made by the glands around the stomach lining

Foods to avoid: Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods

Complications: Esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer

Image courtesy of BruceBlaus, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hemorrhoids.png#filelinks

10. Hemorrhoids

Description: Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus

Symptoms: Pain, itching, bleeding during bowel movements

Treatments: Topical treatments, sitz baths (also a hip bath), dietary fiber

Foods to avoid: Low-fiber foods, spicy foods

Complications: Thrombosis, anemia from chronic bleeding

Image courtesy of Sim Dawdler, https://www.flickr.com/photos/simulation/3572415

11. Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores)

Description: Blisters around the lips caused by herpes simplex virus

Symptoms: Painful, fluid-filled blisters

Treatments: Antiviral medications, topical anesthetics

Foods to avoid: Acidic foods, arginine-rich foods (e.g., many types of nuts, seeds and chocolates)

Complications: Frequent outbreaks, secondary bacterial infections

Image courtesy of Niels Olson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/niels_olson/2369255475

12. Impetigo

Description: Contagious bacterial skin infection

Symptoms: Red sores that rupture, ooze, and form a yellow-brown crust

Treatments: Antibiotic ointments, oral antibiotics

Foods to avoid: None specifically

Complications: Cellulitis or an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, kidney inflammation or an infection of the small blood vessels in the kidneys

After a bite or sting, patients will typically have localized skin reactions at the site of the bite or sting. Image courtesy of dr_relling, https://www.flickr.com/photos/agder/2783124139

13. Insect Bites and Urticaria (Hives)

Description: Reactions to insect bites or allergens causing hives; Hives can be caused by many other things or from a virus. It could be from an allergen, or a hormonal change - It even could be emotional in some situations.

Symptoms: Red, itchy welts, swelling

Treatments: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, topical creams

Foods to avoid: Known allergens

Complications: Anaphylaxis (in severe cases), infection from scratching

There are many possible diseases that ticks may carry and Lyme Disease is the most common disease carried by ticks around Canada. Image courtesy of Chris Booth, https://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeypuzzle/3490267501

14. Tick Bites, Post-Exposure treatment in the prevention of Lyme Disease

Description: Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease which can be life-threatening, and other diseases

Symptoms: Red, expanding rash (bull's-eye rash), flu-like symptoms, headache and fatigue

Treatments: Antibiotics (doxycycline)

Foods to avoid: None specifically

Complications: Chronic Lyme disease, neurological issues

The anatomy of a joint. Tendons join muscles and bone while ligaments connect bones. These are the regions where sprains and strains occur. Image courtesy of Madhero88, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joint.png

15. Musculoskeletal Sprains and Strains

Description: Injuries to muscles or ligaments

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, limited movement

Treatments: RICE (Rest-Ice-Compress-Elevate), NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), physical therapy

Foods to avoid: None specifically

Complications: Chronic pain, instability, decreased mobility.

Nausea and vomiting is seen in 50-80% of pregnancies and can be classified as mild, moderate or severe.

16. Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Description: Common during the first trimester of pregnancy

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dehydration

Treatments: Vitamin B6, antihistamines, ginger supplements

Foods to avoid: Spicy, fatty, and highly aromatic foods

Complications: Hyperemesis gravidarum or persistent nausea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances

Pinworms can be visible to the human eye and resemble cotton threads about 8-13 mm in length which is necessary for assessment.

17. Pinworms and Threadworms

Description: Intestinal parasites causing itching around the anus

Symptoms: Intense itching, especially at night

Treatments: Anthelmintic medications, hygiene measures

Foods to avoid: Sugary foods

Complications: Secondary bacterial infections from scratching

Uncomplicated or acute UTIs present a variety of causative agents and symptoms. Only your primary care giver or pharmacist can help classify your type of UTI condition.

18. Urinary Tract Infections (Uncomplicated)

Description: Infections in the urinary system, usually bladder and urethra

Symptoms: Painful urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain

Treatments: Antibiotics, increased fluid intake

Foods to avoid: Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods

Complications: Kidney infections, recurrent infections

When there exists a disruption in the normal flora ecosystem of the female genitalia, it creates an opportunity for pathogenic organisms like the common Candida species to grow. Image courtesy of BruceBlaus, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yeast_Infection.png

19. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Description: Fungal infection of the vagina and vulva due to yeast overgrowth

Symptoms: Itching, burning, thick white discharge

Treatments: Antifungal medications, topical creams

Foods to avoid: Sugary foods, alcohol

Complications: Chronic infections, severe discomfort

Pharmacists play an essential role in helping patients manage these minor ailments, providing effective treatments and advice to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. Utilizing their expertise in every aspect helps ensure that minor health issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.

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