Management of Common Ailments

Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home
 

Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to help you with these and advise about medicines you can buy over the counter.

Colds and Flu

These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics generally have no place in simple uncomplicated cases. Treatment consists of taking recommended doses of paracetamol for the temperature and aches and drinking plenty of fluids. Do not worry if you do not eat for a few days, you will come to no harm, unless you are a diabetic.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting will usually get better on its own. Treatment consists of replacing the fluid that you have lost and resting the digestive system by having nothing solid to eat for 24 hours. Sachet of powder such as Dioralyte and Rehidrat, which can be made into a drink, are available from the chemist. If the diarrhoea contains blood or if their is severe pain or high fever, you should discuss it with your doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies and in young children should be treated with caution and medical advice sought if symptoms persist.

Backache, Strains and Sprains

Many acute strains and sprains will respond to a few days rest and paracetamol taken for the pain. If the symptoms continue, you should consult your doctor.

Headlice

These creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Medicated shampoos can be obtained from the chemist without prescription. Advice can be obtained from your health visitor.

Insect Bites and Stings

Most of these need no treatment. Anti-histamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will relieve most symptoms.

Nose Bleeds

Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for about ten minutes with a cold compress on the bridge of your nose, by which time the bleeding usually stops. If the bleeding continues, consult your doctor.

Stomach Aches

Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle will often relieve the symptoms or, in the case of indigestion, an antacid such as Milk of Magnesia will help. If the pain lasts for longer than eight hours or becomes increasingly severe, you should consult your doctor.

Dental Emergencies

You should see your dentist for regular check-ups. There should be an out-of-hours emergency service available with him or her once you have registered at a dental practice. Dental problems are the province of Dentists, NOT DOCTORS and they prescribe both antibiotics and painkillers, just as doctors do. Holiday makers and people not registered with a dentist can consult any NHS dentist for advice or else telephone the Emergency Dental Clinic during weekends and Bank Holidays-

 If you or your child has a tooth knocked out, carefully pick up the tooth but do not attempt to wash or clean it. Immediately put it into cold milk and take it and the patient to your own dentist or to an Accident & Emergency Department.