Management of Common Illnesses

IMPORTANT: THIS ADVICE IS INTENDED FOR REGISTERED PATIENTS ONLY AND IS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR.

Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to offer advice about these methods and about remedies available over-the-counter without a prescription.

Temperature

A high temperature occurs commonly, even with mild infections. If children seem distressed or unwell with a temperature then they should be given Paracetamol syrup or dispersible which may be purchased from the chemist. The paracetamol should be given at regular 4 hourly intervals (not more than 4 doses should be given in any 24 hour period). If the above treatment is unsuccessful or your child appears to be very unwell, you should consult your doctor. A child or adult with a temperature will not come to any harm being brought out to the surgery.

Colds & Flu

Unusual symptoms are a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no help in their treatment. Regular Paracetamol, at recommended doses will help the temperature and the aches and it is a good idea to drink plenty of fluids. The temperature usually settles within a few days and the other symptoms then gradually subside.

Diarrhoea & Vomiting

This results from an infection (usually viral) of the stomach and/or the bowel. The condition usually gets better on its own within one or two days. Treatment consists of replacing lost fluid with frequent small drinks of water or other non-milk containing liquids. If there is severe pain or blood with the diarrhoea, you should contact the doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in babies, young children, the elderly, and those with other medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) should be treated with caution and again, you should seek the advice from the doctor.

Inset Bites and Stings

Most will require no treatment. Ant-histamine tablets can be obtained without prescription from the chemist and will relieve most symptoms.

Strains/Sprains

Acute - if immediate, cold compress ice for 5 minutes only, afterwards ice pack 2 or 3 times daily for 20 minutes with limb elevated to reduce swelling. Rest affect limb.

Back Pain

It is advised that patients suffering from acute back pain spend as much time as possible standing up or walking around. Lifting and bending should be avoided. In very severe cases, bed rest - flat on back if very acute for 2 to 3 days only. Roll over so that you are flat on you front for a few minutes every hour. If sitting, always maintain the curve in the small of the back, by placing a roll about 5 inches in diameter at waist level. Use either a rolled up cushion or towel. Avoid prolonged bending and always bend backwards after bending forward. If symptoms persist consult the doctor.

Head Lice

Head lice may affect anyone and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Special lotions are available from the chemist without a prescription.

Burns and Scalds

Run cold water over the burnt area until the pain subsides (this may take 15 minutes). If the area becomes blistered, keep it clean and dry and do not burst the blisters. If the burn is more than a few inches across or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor or the Casualty Department at the hospital as soon as possible.

Conjunctivitis

Makes the eyes red, sore and and makes them "mattery." It often settles without treatment if you bathe the eyes with boiled water and wipe away the "matter" with cotton wool. It should not affect the eyesight or be painful. If it does not settle, consult the doctor. It is often very infectious, so patients should never share towels or flannels and should wash their hands immediately after touching their eyes.

Cuts

Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the cut with a clean handkerchief for 2 to 3 minutes. Apply a plaster firmly, bringing the edges of the cut together so that it heals quickly. Keep it dry for 1 to 2 days. If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be pulled together with a dressing, go to the Casualty Department. A tetanus injection may be needed.

Nose Bleeds

Nearly all nose bleeds can be controlled and stopped by sitting the patient forward and applying firm, continuous pressure to either side of the fleshy part of the nose Do this for at least 10 minutes with the two index fingers.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation inside the bladder. Over half of the women in this country suffer from it at some time during their lives, often repeatedly. It makes you want to pass urine frequently and when you do pass water, it causes a burning sensation. When you first get the symptoms, drink a pint of water immediately. A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in the water can relieve some of the pain. Paracetamol tablets are useful. It is important to carry on drinking plenty of fluids to wash the germs out of your bladder. If the symptoms do not settle in two days, make an appointment to see a doctor and bring a specimen of urine in a clean container. An antibiotic may be required.