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Langford Medical Practice |
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management of common conditions
BACKACHE, STRAINS AND SPRAINSMany acute strains and sprains will respond to a few days’ rest
and paracetamol taken for the pain. BLOOD PRESSUREIf you have blood pressure problems it is sensible to watch your
weight, cut down on salt, limit alcohol, exercise regularly and stop
smoking. You may like to discuss these issues with the practice
nurse. BURNS AND SCALDSApply 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 larger than four or five
inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult the practice
nurse or your doctor. CHICKENPOXOn the first day a rash appears with small red spots about 3-4mm
wide. Within a few hours these develop small blisters at the centre.
During the next three or four days further spots will appear and the
earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion may be
applied to help the itching. The most infectious period is two or
three days before the rash appears and until the last crusts have
formed dry centres, usually seven to ten days after the rash
started. Children may return to school as soon as the last crusts
have dropped off. For healthy children it is generally a relatively
mild condition and it is not usually necessary to see a doctor. It
may be appropriate to seek medical advice for a child with other
medical problems, and definitely for an adult. Please seek medical
advice if you come into contact with chickenpox whilst pregnant. COLDS AND FLUThese usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and
aches. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no use in
their treatment. 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. CYSTITISInflammation of the bladder is common in women. Typically there
will be a burning sensation on passing water, you will need to go
more frequently and the urine may be offensive. Drink plenty of
fluids; a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in water may relieve the
pain. Paracetamol may also help. If the problem persists for more
than 24 hours consult your doctor and bring a sample of urine with
you. DIARRHOEA AND VOMITINGIn 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. Sachets of powders such as
Dioralyte and Rehidrat, which can be made into a drink, are
available from the chemist. If the diarrhoea contains blood or there
is severe pain or high fever, you should discuss it with your
doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies and young children
should be treated with caution and the doctor will be happy to
advise you about this over the telephone and arrange to see you if
necessary. eyesightRegular checks are advisable, but there are certain groups of patients particularly at risk:
If you can’t read this from 18" in front of your eyes to arm's
length you may need glasses and should consult an optician.
Even very young children can have a sight test. They do not need
to be able to read or recognise letters to be tested adequately. GERMAN MEASLESThe rash appears during the first day of the illness and usually
covers the body, arms and legs in small pink spots about 2-4mm
across and does not itch. There are usually no other symptoms apart
from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before
the rash appears until the rash disappears in about four or five
days. The only danger is to unborn babies and it is important to
avoid pregnant women. Children are now routinely immunised as part
of the MMR immunisation programme. GRAZES AND MINOR CUTSWash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. If
bleeding, apply a clean handkerchief firmly to the wound for about
five minutes. A dry dressing for a day or two will keep the wound
clean and protect it from irritating clothing. A tetanus jab lasts
10 years. HEAD LICEThese creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor
hygiene. Medicated shampoos can be obtained from the chemist without
prescription. It is important for all members of the family to be
treated. INSECT BITES AND STINGSMost of these need no treatment: antihistamine tablets can be
obtained from the chemist without prescription and will relieve most
symptoms. MEASLESThe rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body on
about the fourth day of feeling unwell and is often accompanied by a
cough. It is most infectious two or three days before the rash
appears until eight or ten days afterwards. Immunisation can prevent
this disease. STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTHIf you have a stress/mental health-related problem and want some
information about local resources available, you can contact the
Mental Health Resource Centre on 01865 728981. Alternatively, the
Causeway Centre in the centre of Bicester is a drop-in centre open
three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and offers free
support and information. Activities include anxiety management and
assertiveness training groups. Call 01869 249864. MUMPSThe symptoms are swelling of the salivary gland in front of one
ear often followed a couple of days later in front of the other ear;
glands under the chin may also swell. It is infectious for two or
three days before the swelling starts until ten days after. If the
pain is severe, you should consult your doctor. Immunisation can
prevent this disease. NOSEBLEEDSSit in a chair (leaning forwards with your mouth open) and pinch
your nose just below the bone for about 10 minutes by which time the
bleeding usually stops. If bleeding continues, consult your doctor. POISONINGIt is very important to keep all medicines and toxic material out
of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Children
should also be taught which plants are safe to handle. In the event
of poisoning consult your doctor or the accident and emergency
department immediately and let them know what has been taken,
providing a sample of the substance if possible. SPRAINSFirst apply a cold compress containing ice for 15 to 30 minutes
to reduce the swelling. Apply a firm crepe bandage and give a sprain
plenty of rest until all the discomfort has subsided. STOMACHACHEMost 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 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. SUNBURNTreat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat.
Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation. Children are
particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken
to avoid overexposure to the harmful effects of the sun. TEMPERATUREA temperature occurs commonly even with mild infections. In small
children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly
and children should be given paracetamol syrup, which may be bought
from the chemist. If they still appear hot, they should be gently
sponged with tepid water in order to cool them. If a temperature is
very high and does not come down with the above treatment, you
should consult your doctor. A child or adult with a temperature will
not come to any harm being wrapped up and brought by car or by pram
to the surgery. THRUSHThrush is a yeast infection that affects many women at some time
in their lives. It is commoner in women who are pregnant, on the
pill, diabetic or on antibiotics. It usually affects the vaginal
area and causes intense itching and a white discharge. It usually
requires antifungal agents to clear it up, but you can reduce the
risk of getting repeated attacks by wearing loose airy clothing and
avoiding nylon underwear, tight jeans and tights. TOOTHACHEThis is a common problem which may be eased by taking aspirin or,
for children under 16, paracetamol. THE FAMILY MEDICINE CHESTHere is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a
description of their uses. Soluble Aspirin Tablets Remember that your local chemist can give you advice about medicines. |
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