MEDICAL INFORMATION

COMMON MINOR ILLNESSES

The following is advice on the treatment for some common minor illnesses. If however symptoms persist ,contact the medical centre for an appointment . Do not forget that your local pharmacist is able to provide advice and treatment for many illnesses. For all drugs listed do not exceed the recommended dosages 

1. Animal Bites-  Always consult the Practice Nurse . You may require a Tetanus vaccination

2. Back Pain - Main treatment is simple painkillers and  place heat to the painful area. It is best to avoid any movements that exaggerate the pain. Bed rest is not usually necessary and it is often more beneficial to keep moving around unless we suspect a disc prolapse, which is extemely unusual. 

3. Burns & Scalds - Immediately place affected area under cold water. Do not attempt to remove clothing if burnt to the skin. If a large area is affected cover loosely with e.g cling film and seek help. Most small superficial areas respond to cool water and antiseptic lotion.

4. Chickenpox -  This tends to present with an itchy rash all over the body with the development of blisters and crusty areas. It mostly affects children and is highly contagious. Often children get a temperature and feel generally unwell. Fluids and paracetamol therefore help. To ease the itch calamine lotion can be used. Try to avoid contact with vulnerable people e.g. very young babies, pregnancy ladies or people who have had recent chemotherapy.

5. Common Cold - Usually characterised by congestion , sore throats, catarrh , cough etc. Occasionally the catarrh may be discoloured. This is not uncommon and should settle down after a few days. Simple remedies include Paracetamolor Aspirin in children over twelve. Some method of decongesting the catarrh is also very useful. Advice on whic medication to use for this purpose can be obtained from your local pharmacist.

6. Conjunctivitis -  Mostly this is viral and therefore does not respond to antibiotics.  In children with 'sticky eyes' simply clean from inside to out with cooled boiled water. if the white of the eye is not red, it is unlikely to require attention but if the vision is affected/the eye is red or painful it is better to seek help.

7. Cuts - If you cut yourself , run it under cool water to help stop the bleeding and clean the wound. Then apply firm compression with a clean absorbable material such as atowel, and lift the affected body part in the air to slow the bleeding. Most cuts and grazes can be covered with some antiseptic cream and a simple plaster. If the bleeding fails to stop or the cut is deep,  seek advice. If you are cut whils't outside check if your tetanus is up to date. (every 10years or 3 boosters in a lifetime).

8. Cystitis - Burning sensation when passing water. Drink plenty of clear fluids . A teaspoonful of Bicarbonate of Soda dissolved in water may help the burning sensation. Drinking Cranberry Juice has also been shown to help. The pharmacist may also be able to offer assistance. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours consult your doctor and bring a urine sample.

9. Diarrohea & Vomiting- Usually this settles down with 24-48 hours. Drink little but often. Traveller's sickness or anti-diarrhoeal medication can be purchased for adults from your  local pharmacy.

10. Earache - These are mostly viral . Most resolve within 72 hours. pain relief with paracetamol and ipubrofen is best. resting the painful ear on a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can help ease the pain.

11. Headaches - Can occur due to a multitude of causes from simple tension headaches through to migraine. Most will respond to simple over the counter treatments such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. A right band like headache is often due to tension . Heat and a long soak in a hot bath may be more useful than painkillers

12. Influenza -  Typical symptoms include aching muscles, headaches, sweating . The mian advice is to rest , drink plenty of fluids and take regular paracetamol..

13. Insect Bites - these usually sting and cause a swellong and redness. Rarely they become infected when the redness spreads. Most settle with sting relief cream/cool water & anti-histamines if necessary. Some people are highly allergic to some insects - if you develop swelling of the lips or suffer breathing difficulties following a bite you must seek URGENT help.

14. Nosebleeds - Particularly common, especially in children. The patient should be sat forward with the mouth open and pressure applied just below the bridge of the nose for approximatetly 10-15 mins. This will settle the majority of nosebleeds

15.Sore Throats - Most of these are caused by viral infections therefore antibiotics are not of use. Most settle within 72hours. Throat lozenges can be used along with paracetamol and fluids. In people over 15 years gargling with aspirin can also benefit.

16. Sprains -  Muscle sprains e.g from a twisting injury respond best to rest/ice , compression and elevation of the affected part. Simple painkillers e.g paracetamol can be used.

17. Temperatures -  This can occur with many minor illnesses. Regular paracetamol  (Paracetamol syrup - Calpol, Disprol for children )can be used. In addition adults can use Ibuprofen at the same time but should not be used if you suffer from asthma or indigestion. Tepid sponging also helps to bring down the temperature as well as cool drinks

Patient Information - Useful patient information on health and disease conditions can also be found on the following web sites :

NHS24
Patient UK
NHS Direct
BBC Health