When to refer
Signs that warrant referral to the pharmacist include:
- For constipation: no improvement after treatment, bloating or regular and/or long-lasting symptoms
- For diarrhoea: recent foreign travel or a hospital stay, antibiotic use, diarrhoea lasting longer than two or three days in adults, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
- For haemorrhoids: rectal bleeding, painful or persistent haemorrhoids
- For IBS: new symptoms
- For all conditions: blood in the faeces, fever associated with bowel problems, a sudden and persistent change in how the bowels work or unexplained weight loss.
Children, the elderly and pregnant women should always be referred. Check the pharmacy’s protocol for additional information regarding referral.