self help
DISCLAIMER:
This is general advice only and not a substitute for seeing
your doctor.
If you have any further concerns please seek attention from your GP.
Self Treatment of Common Illnesses and Accidents
Many common illnesses, accidents, aches and pains can be treated
at home without the need to consult a doctor. For advice
regarding minor problems, injuries or ailments try contacting your
local pharmacist, The Haywood Walkin Centre, NHS Direct on 0845 4647
or NHS Direct Online at
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Please browse the links below for more information:
It is common to get back pain after unaccustomed exercise such as
digging the garden or moving furniture. Gentle frequent
exercise and pain relief with aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol are
usually all that is needed. If the pain persists, or worsens
or if you have numbness in the leg or difficulty passing urine,
please contact your doctor.
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The skin should be cooled with cold water as soon as possible
switching off any electrical appliances involved, keep cool until
the pain subsides. If the damage is large, or the patient is
shocked or shivery emergency treatment at the accident unit/walkin
centre may be required.
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Children run a high temperature very quickly. This is a
normal response to an infection. Most childhood infections are
caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Whatever
the cause make your child more comfortable by bringing down the
temperature. If the temperature does not settle ask for
advice.
Take off most of the clothes so that heat can be lost through
the skin. Do not wrap the child up in blankets any
clothing should be loose.
Use a fan if you have one, or create a draught by opening
windows or doors. Sponge with tepid water and give cool
drinks frequently.
Give paracetamol suspension or child nurofen according to the
dose on the bottle or ask a pharmacist's advice.
Taking a child with a temperature outside often helps to cool
them so they can attend the Medical Centre for an appointment if
necessary.
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Colds have no magic cure. Antibiotics are useful only for
secondary infections such as bronchitis. Rest and fluids taken
with paracetamol or aspirin(for adults) for temperature or headache
will help to make you more comfortable while your body defences get
to work.
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Most diarrhoea and vomiting is caused by viral illness.
In adults and older children regular small amounts of water based
fluids should be taken to replace lost fluids in conjunction with a
light diet. lt is helpful to avoid or reduce dairy produce intake.
Babies tend to lose body fluids very quickly and should be brought
to the medical centre if they are ill for more than 6 hours.
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Bee stings should be scraped out. The sting is not left in by
most other insects. Hydrocortisone cream and antihistamine
tablets usually give relief and can be obtained, without
prescription, from the pharmacy. Stings in the mouth, throat
or shortness of breath may require emergency treatment.
Secondary infection which shows as a red swollen area spreading from
the original bite, may occasionally require antibiotic treatment.
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Measles produces a widespread blotchy rash which appears after
two to three days of a severe illness. Immunisation with MMR
can prevent it.
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The virus causes swelling in front of one or both ears. Other
glands can also be infected and it can cause problems after puberty.
Immunisation (MMR) can prevent it.
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Sit in a chair leaning forward and breathe through the mouth.
Pinch the nose just below the bone for about 10 minutes.
If the bleeding does not stop consult the doctor. Avoid
blowing your nose and taking hot drinks for 24 hours.
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Most attacks are caused by wind or indigestion and are not serious.
The pain can often be relieved by antacids. Please consult
your doctor if the pain is not relieved and is severe or is
increasing.
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Treat with a cold compress containing ice if possible for 15-30
minutes to reduce the swelling. Then apply a crepe bandage
firmly 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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Treat as for any other burns by cooling the skin. Witch Hazel,
after sun or calamine all assist in maintaining the cooling effect.
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