| ANTIBIOTICS |
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Firstly a note on these commonly prescribed and powerful medicines. They only work on bacteria and are without effect on viruses. Unfortunately, this means that the common infections like coughs, colds and flu etc will not be helped by them at all. The correct treatment is the simple remedies outlined below and we only use antibiotics when they fail and we suspect that there is a secondary bacterial infection. Overuse of antibiotics may lead to their not working in future and more complications like thrush, skin rashes etc. They do take 48 to 72 hours before there is a difference in symptoms and you should always finish the course.
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| BACK PAIN |
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Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The lower back supports the whole weight of the upper body, and therefore it is understandable that it sometimes goes wrong. Because of the complex nature of the spine it is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for more than a few days. If, as is usual, the pain has been caused by abuse, ie. lifting too heavy weights etc, be sensible and take things easy. Take care to sit as upright as possible with a support for the small of the back. Take a simple pain killer such as Paracetamol. Your doctor may well prescribe stronger drugs, heat treatment, gentle exercise or some kind of supportive corset.
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| BEDSORES |
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Bedsores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure to certain parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible so taking care to smooth out the creases in the bottom sheet which could lead to localised irritation. Keep your eye open for red marks appearing at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips, and if they begin to appear, inform the district nurse before they get worse.
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| BURNS |
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Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing. If the burn is to a child or is larger than four or five inches in diameter, or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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| CHICKENPOX |
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On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn "crusty" and fall off.
Oily calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectiours period is from two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last "crusts" have dropped off.
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| COLD AND SINUS PAINS |
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Take plenty of fluids, paracetamol or, if over 12 years old, aspirin. Inhalations with steam and Karvol/Menthol crystals, Olbas Oil, etc can help clear the passages. If they are very blocked you could use a decongestant such as Sudafed (available at the chemist), or Vicks Sinex etc. You should be on the mend after seven to ten days and usually better by two weeks and we would want to see you if you are getting worse instead of better by then.
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| COUGHS |
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A cough is the most common symptom presented to the doctor. If dust or food enters the air passages in the throat, coughing acts as a protector. In the same way during a cold it also prevents mucus from entering the air passages and causing infection. To suppress this reflex action with cough mixtures can do more harm than good. The best treatment is steam inhalations. Removing the patient's pillow at night may also help prevent mucus running into the air passages. Sometimes coughing may be caused by infection of the lower air passages. If it is a dry cough, steam inhalations will again help, as will a sedative linctus which can be bought from a chemist. When to see the doctor:
If coughing continues for more than a week or two after a common cold has cleared up.
If breathing is accompanied by a pain in the chest or shortness of breath.
If coughing produces blood.
Remember - children of parents who smoke are more prone to coughs, colds etc than children of non-smokers.
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| CYSTITIS |
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Very common in women. Causes burning sensation on passing urine. Drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms last more than 24 hours, consult your doctor.
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| DIARRHOEA |
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In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly. Fluids only for 24 hours is advised, ideally Dioralyte or flat juice. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days. Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel action during their first six months, due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watry diarrhoea should be treated as above. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
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| EARACHE |
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This is a common symptom and an ear infection is just one of the many causes. Management in the first 24 hours should be regular use of paracetamol. If the earache persists, your should consult your doctor, but it does not merit an emergency visit. Both viruses and bacteria cause ear infections and the use of antibiotics is still much debated in the medical press.
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| FLU |
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If you have a temperature and are aching a lot, Paracetamol or Aspirin (if over 12) fluids and rest are the answer.
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| GERMAN MEASLES (Rubella) |
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The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm and does not itch. No other symptoms are usually present, apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about four to five days from that date. The only danger is to unborn babies
and therefore it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
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| HAYFEVER |
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This can be troublesome when the pollen count is high. Itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose can be helped by antihistamine tablets, which are available without prescription from your chemist. If symptoms are persistent, consult your doctor.
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| HEAD LICE |
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These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are therefore not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. After conditioning hair, combing with a head lice comb for three days can prove effective.
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| INSECT BITES AND STINGS |
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Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chesmist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms.
Note: bee stings should be scraped away rather than "picked" in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.
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| LARYNGITIS |
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As for coughs, try steam inhalations, rest your voice and avoid smoke.
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| MEASLES |
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The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from tow or three days before the rash appears, until eight or ten days after that date.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
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| MENINGITIS |
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Meningitis is a rare but serious infection, affecting mainly babies and teenagers, although it can occur at any age. Signs to look for in babies are drowsiness, fever, a high pitched cry, irritability and a rash. Older children may have a fever, vomiting and neck stiffness (unable to touch their chest with their chin or to kiss their knees) dislike of bright lights and a rash. The rash looks like purple bruises and if pressed with a glass, will not disappear. If you child is unwell and has this rash, you should telephone the surgery immediately for advice or take your child immediately to the nearest hospital..
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| MINOR CUTS AND GRAZES |
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Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding, apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for about five minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressings.
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| MUMPS |
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Symptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one or other ear often followed after a couple of days by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from two oir three days before the swelling appears until eight of ten days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor.
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| NAPPY RASH |
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Most babies on some occasion suffer nappy rash. It develops as red blotches on the baby's bottom which can become angry and sore. Nappy rash is best prevented by frequent nappy changes and using a barrier cream such as zinc and castor oil with every change. If the rash does not heal quickly, you should consult your health visitor or doctor.
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| NOSEBLEEDS |
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Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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| POISONING |
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It is important to keep all medicines and noxious substances out of the reach of children, ideally in a locked cabinet. In the case of accidental poisoning you should take your child immediately to the hospital casualty department, together with the medicine, tablets or other substances your child may have taken.
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| SORE THROAT |
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Unfortunately, most sore throats are due to viruses and therefore do not respond to antibiotics. Usually sore throats will begin to improve over four or five days. In an adult, soluble aspirin gargled, then swallowed regularly together with drinking plenty of fluids such as squash will help. In children under 12 years paracetamol taken regularly, is helpful. If your sore throat, however, is getting progressively worse after 48 hours, it would be wise for you to see your doctor.
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| SPRAINS |
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First, apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply, firmly, a crepe bandage, and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling and a longer recovery period.
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| STOMACH ACHE |
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Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle will often relieve the symptoms and in the case of indigestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help. If the pain persists for longer than eight hours or increases in intensity you should consult your doctor.
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| SUNBURN |
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Prevention is better than cure. Use at least SPF 15. Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol will also help. Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.
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| TEMPERATURE - HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR CHILD |
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Children develop a temperature usually as a result of an infection. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses (these are more common in Spring and Autumn) and do not respond to antibiotics. Bringing a child's temperature down will make them feel better. Keep a supply of children's paracetamol at home. Keep a thermometer at home - strip thermometers do not contain mercury and are safer - the normal temperature is 37 °C. If your child is unwell and has a fever try to lower it as follows:
1. Give your child paracetamol - do not exceed the maximum dosage stated for your child's age; repeat four to six hours daily as required. Do not give aspirin to under 12's.
2. Do not overwrap your child. Instead, dress your child in cool clothes. Reducing room temperature may help.
3. Give your child plenty of cool fluids - fever increases the loss of fluid.
4. Sponging your child down with tepid water will rapidly bring the temperature down - do not use cold water. You may need to repeat this measure.
5. If your child does not improve with these measures or appears ill, call the surgery or the duty doctor.
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| THREADWORMS |
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These are tiny, white thread-like worms which live in the bowel. They particularly affect children and they can be a nuisance but are not harmful. They often cause itching around the back passage, especially at night and sometimes can be seen in the motion. Threadworms can be easily treated with medicines available from the chemist. Your should treat all members of the household and everyone should be careful to wash their hands properly after going to the toilet.
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| THRUSH |
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This is an infection which affects many women at some time in their lives. It is more common in women who are pregnant, on the pill, diabetic or on antibiotics. Some women suffer repeated attacks. It causes intense itching and a thick white discharge. There may be soreness and pain on passing urine. Thrush is caused by a yeast infection and will usually respond rapidly to cream or pessaries which are available from a chemist or your doctor. The likelihood of repeated attacks can be reduced by avoiding tights, nylon underwear and close fitting jeans.
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| WARTS/VERRUCAE |
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These are due to raised, thickened skin and caused by a virus. They are common on the hands and feet. Warts will eventually get better without treatment as the body fights off the virus. For troublesome warts, various paints and applications are available from chemists, which must be used regularly according to the instructions, if they are to be effective. If you have a particularly stubborn wart, consult our doctor who may arrange to freeze it at the surgery
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