Self Treatment Of Common Illnesses and Accidents Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to see a Doctor. If advice is needed, an ideal source could be our Nurse Practitioner who is trained to examine and treat minor illness.
Back pain causes 13 million lost working days to be lost in the UK each year. The spine consists of 24 small bones separated by cartilage discs and is supported by ligaments and muscles that can be damaged by bad posture, poor lifting techniques, lack of fitness and obesity. Prevention is better than cure, so lift with a straight back and bent knees. Do not become overweight and exercise such as swimming will improve muscle tone and strength. If you develop back pain, rest your back by lying on a firm mattress or sit upright with a support in the small of the back. Aspirin, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen will help relieve the pain. If the pain does not improve within a few days, consult your Doctor.
Coughs, Colds and ‘Flu Like Illnesses
These start with a running nose, cough, temperature, shivers and aches. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no use in their treatment. The whole illness may last up to a week. Paracetamol (or Aspirin in adults) will help relieve symptoms. Drink plenty. It does not matter if you do not eat for a day or two. Coughs may be helped by steam inhalation or cough linctus.
Consult the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner if:
| ||
| ||
|
In the case of flu-like symptoms consult the Doctor if there is undue drowsiness, headache, vomiting, light sensitivity or neck stiffness.
Children with High Temperatures
Children, especially babies, can rapidly develop a high temperature. If the temperature becomes very high young children may start to fit.
You can bring down a high temperature by:
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
|
It is not necessary to bring the temperature completely down to normal. If the child remains listless and drowsy after doing all this then consult the Doctor for further advice.
Is common in children and may be due to infection or pressure behind the ear drum caused by "glue ear". It often starts at night. The treatment is Paracetamol every 4 hours. If there is accompanying fever then infection is most likely and the child should be brought to the next surgery to see the Nurse Practitioner. With "glue ear" the pain is often intermittent. The child appears well but, if deafness is a concern, again the child should be brought to the surgery.
Burns and Scalds
Immediate treatment by pouring copious cold water over a burn is essential. If burns cause sever blistering or break the skin, the Doctor or Nurse should be consulted. Prevent sunburn by avoiding long exposure in the sun, using sunscreens and covering exposed areas adequately (including hats).
Head Injuries
If the patient was not "knocked out" and can remember the incident then it is unlikely that serious injury has resulted. If the patient was unconscious, or vomiting occurs on more than two occasions, or if the patient is unduly drowsy or has double vision, he or she should be taken to the nearest casualty department.
How to Increase the Quantity and Quality of Your Life:
 |
Stop smoking (don’t start). |
|
|
Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol (less than 21 units per week for women, 28 for men). |
|
|
Avoid excessive calories (on average we eat a third more than we need) and eat healthily - plenty of fibre and fruit. Cut down on fatty foods. |
|
|
Exercise frequently. This should be enjoyable and comfortable but should be sufficient to raise the pulse. |
|
|
Keep up to date with immunisations. |
|
|
Avoid anxiety - learn how to relax - take up a hobby. |
|
|
Take care in the sun - protect your skin by tanning slowly and sensibly. see your Doctor if you are worried about any skin changes. |
|
|
Take care at home and work - follow safety guidelines, drive safely, never drink and drive. |
|
|
Take advantage of the surgeries preventative campaign (e.g. immunisations, cervical smears, smoke stop clinics, well person clinics). |
|
|
Follow you Doctors and Nurses advice. |
Cystitis Frequently passing urine which stings or burns suggests cystitis which is often caused by infection. Drink plenty of cranberry juice or water including Bicarbonate of Soda (one teaspoon per glass of water four times a day) and if symptoms persist for anything other than a short time, see the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Remember to bring a fresh sample of urine in a clean container in case the Doctor needs to test it.
The Staff See a Doctor Registration Where we are Nursing/Clinic Special Services Tel No's Links
