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THE OLD MACHAR MEDICAL PRACTICE
THE OLD MACHAR MEDICAL PRACTICE
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Self Treatment of Common Illnesses and AccidentsMany common aches and pains can be simply treated without the need to consult a doctor. Here we have some advice regarding simple conditions: Back Pain - Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Great Britain each year. The spine supports the whole weight of the upper body, so it is understandable that it sometimes goes wrong. Because of the complex nature of the spine it is advisable to consult your doctor if back pain persists for longer than a few days. If, as usual, the pain has been caused by abuse (e.g. lifting too heavy a load), be sensible and take things easy. Take care to sit as upright as possible with a support for the small of the back. Take ibuprofen or paracetamol (unless contraindicated) which will not only help the pain but will also tend to relieve the inflammation. Ice packs can also help for muscle spasm. Your doctor may well prescribe stronger drugs and physiotherapy if symptoms do not settle. Chickenpox - On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 3-4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from 2-3 days before the rash appears, and up to 5 days after this date. Pregnant women and patients taking steroid tablets who develop or come into contact with chickenpox should consult their doctor. Colds - Even in this day and age there is no magic cure for the common cold. Rest, take plenty to drink. If you are feverish or have a headache, take paracetamol. Antibiotics will have no effect! Dental Problems - All forms of tooth and gum problems should be referred to your own dentist. If you are not currently registered with a dentist you should call either the Grampian Health Board on Tel: 01224-663456 who will assist you in finding a dentist, or the Grampian Dentist On-Call (G-DENS) service on Tel: 01224-558140 who will arrange to provide emergency dental care. Diarrhoea - In adults, this is usually caused by a viral infection and is, therefore, unable to be treated directly. The symptoms can sometimes be eased by "over-the-counter" medicines advised by your chemist. Travellers diarrhoea is sometimes due to bacteria and, again, your pharmacist can advise you. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days. Most babies have very loose bowel action in their first six months due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea is usually viral. This should be treated by taking the baby off milk and solids and feeding them a cooled solution of boiled water with a teaspoon of sugar and a half teaspoon of salt to the pint. If the symptoms persist consult your doctor. Gastroenteritis - This describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestine. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, sickness, and stomach-ache. Because the lining of the stomach is likely to be inflamed, medicines are often immediately vomited up. Large quantities of water, diluted orange juice or thin soup should be taken to counter the effects of dehydration. Consult your doctor if severe symptoms persist for more than a day. German Measles (Rubella) - The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms, and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm across; it doesn't usually itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from 2 days before the rash appears and until the rash disappears about 4-5 days after that. The only danger is to unborn babies and it is, therefore, important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease. Head Lice - Contrary to popular belief, these creatures prefer clean heads and their presence is NOT a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can be obtained from the chemist without a prescription. Regular combing with a nit comb is essential for effective treatment. Only individuals with visible lice should be treated. Measles - The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around day 4 of the illness. It is usually at its most infectious from 2-3 days before the rash appears until 8-10 days after that. Immunisation can prevent this disease. Mumps - Symptoms are swelling of the gland in front of one ear, followed after a couple of days by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from 2-3 days before the swelling appears until 8-10 days after that. Immunisation can prevent this disease. Sprains - Treat with a cold compress containing ice if possible, for 10-15 minutes to reduce the swelling, then apply a crepe bandage firmly and elevate the limb. Give the sprain plenty of rest. Stomach-ache - Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle and analgesia will often relieve the symptoms. In the case of indigestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water may help. If the pain does not settle you should consult your doctor. Sunburn - Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion or moisturising lotion will relieve the irritation. Paracetamol can also be helpful. Children are particularly susceptible and great care should be taken to avoid overexposure to the harmful effects of the sun.
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