WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Remember that children should be referred to the pharmacist.

What are the symptoms? Ask the customer to describe all of their symptoms. Anyone with blood in their stools should be referred to the pharmacist.

How long have the symptoms been present? A customer who has not passed stools for at least three days has constipation.

Action already taken? This will help establish if the customer has tried to change their diet or used a product that wasn't appropriate or didn't help.

Medication? Some medicines can cause constipation. This should be ruled out before treatment is recommended.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• All children
• Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
• If the customer has noticed blood or mucus in their stools
• A major change in bowel habits, particularly if middle aged
• If any other medication is being taken
• If the problem is recurrent or has lasted longer than a week
• If the customer has lost weight unintentionally
• Severe pain when passing stools
• If the customer has already tried a product and it hasn't worked
• If the customer is pregnant
• If you suspect laxative abuse.