WWHAM questions

Who is it for? Men and children under 12 years of age who are suffering from symptoms of cystitis are among those who should be referred to the pharmacist.

What are the symptoms? It is important to establish all of the customer's symptoms. Anyone with blood in their urine or abdominal or lower back pain should be referred to the pharmacist.

How long have the symptoms been present? Find out if the customer has had the problem before. Anyone who is having repeated bouts of cystitis should be referred to the pharmacist.

Action already taken? This will help you establish whether the customer is drinking plenty of fluids and if they have already tried a treatment.

Medication? It is important to refer any customer who has a medical condition, such as diabetes, to the pharmacist.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• There is blood in the urine
• The customer has a fever
• There is vaginal discharge
• The sufferer has diabetes
• Pregnant women
• The sufferer is male
• Children under 12 years
• Symptoms do not improve after 24 hours of OTC treatment
• There is pain in the lower back or abdomen
• The symptoms keep recurring
• The customer is taking blood pressure or heart medication
• The customer has had cystitis for longer than two days or it is their second bout in a month.