Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh

After assessing the frequency and severity of their patients' symptoms, pharmacists can recommend the right OTC products for individuals with heartburn.

Approximately 50 million individuals in the United States are affected by lactose intolerance. Pharmacists are in a key position to ensure that patients receive the essential nutrients that may be lost by not consuming milk and dairy products.

A multitude of factors can contribute to infertility, but with the host of available treatment options, 85% to 95% of cases are treated with either medication or surgery.

Pharmacists can help women choose an appropriate at-home pregnancy test and counsel them on the proper procedures to ensure accuracy.

Women may choose to manage their menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, headaches, weight gain, and fatigue, with a variety of available OTC supplements.

Patients with glaucoma-a group of diseases of the eye that cause damage to the optic nerve-may have questions about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Patients with glaucoma-a group of diseases of the eye that cause damage to the optic nerve-may have questions about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

When it comes to minor wounds, pharmacists can help patients assess if self-treatment is appropriate and recommend products to promote healing and minimize scars.

An estimated 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Pharmacists can help patients, especially those with risk factors, protect themselves from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Self-treatment of asthma is not always appropriate, but pharmacists can help patients with asthma determine if OTC treatment is right for them.

Allergic rhinitis is common, and its prevalence is on the rise. Pharmacists can counsel patients about their symptoms and recommend OTC products to control them.

Stress can have serious health implications, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and exacerbating medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Stress is unavoidable, but learning to manage it effectively is critical.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Pharmacists should familiarize themselves with the symptoms, stages, and treatments for COPD.

Insomnia is a condition that can have psychological, environmental, and pharmacologic causes. There are many OTC sleep aids available for individuals who need them, and pharmacists can help patients choose appropriately.

Patients commonly relieve their pain with OTC analgesics without a complete understanding of the potential adverse effects and drug interactions with these products.

Patients should understand how to use OTC and prescription medications that treat acne and follow preventive measures to reduce acne flare-ups or prevent this common dermatologic condition.

Patients should understand how to use OTC and prescription medications that treat acne and follow preventive measures to reduce acne flare-ups or prevent this common dermatologic condition.

Vitamin D, which aids the body's immune and skeletal systems in various ways, is available in many foods and in many OTC nutritional supplements.

Pharmacists are in a key position to advise patients with urinary tract infections on the OTC products available, including urinary analgesics and at-home test kits.

Hepatitis C can be a challenging disease for patients. Pharmacists can be instrumental in educating their patients about the pharmacologic agents available for treatment and provide them with valuable resources to successfully manage this condition.

Combination therapy is a frequently prescribed treatment for various medical conditions; however, problems can arise without thorough monitoring. Pharmacists can be instrumental in ensuring that combination drug therapy is used appropriately.

Many individuals can meet their nutritional needs through diet alone; however, some may find it difficult to do so and consider using a multivitamin/multimineral supplement.

Daily intake of an adequate amount of dietary fiber is the most common recommendation for the prevention and treatment of constipation, and has an important role in the maintenance of normal bowel function.

Vaccine-preventable diseases kill more Americans than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, or traffic accidents. Pharmacists are in a unique position to counsel patients about vaccines and administer them to target groups.

With all the attention on the benefits of omega fatty acids, patients will be looking for advice on the wide array of these supplements currently on the market to promote cardiovascular health.

Pharmacists are well-positioned to inform patients about the various types of blood pressure monitors currently available and ensure that they are counseled on the proper use of these devices.

Migraine headaches affect an estimated 25% to 30% of individuals in the United States. More than two thirds of patients who have migraines are women. Many women experience migraines before or during their menstrual cycle. Migraines can also run in families, and most often occur between 15 and 55 years of age.

Migraines can affect patients differently--simple explanations are presented here to help educate patients on causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatments.

Migraines can affect patients differently--simple explanations are presented here to help educate patients on causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatments.