SELF-HELP
These pages have been written to help you deal with the more common ailments and problems encountered in our everyday lives. The advice given is by no means exhaustive - please feel free to contact the practice or NHS 24 for further advice.
Coughs and Colds
Most of us suffer from coughs and colds some time in our lives. Some are more prone to it than others - no one knows why. However if we live a healthy lifestyle we are less likely to catch every bug that is going round.
As you know coughs and colds are mainly caused by viruses. There is no cure for a viral infection. Therefore antibiotics will not cure your cold. Sometimes the Practice will prescribe antibiotics for such symptoms, especially in the very old, people with heart and lung problems, and diabetics, because the viral infection makes them more susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection. For the vast majority of "healthy" people the best thing for the cold is paracetamol regularly and plenty of liquids. This is true for adults as well as for children. There is very little reason to give a child an antibiotic for the cold.
If your symptoms last longer than a week, or if you develop chest pain or breathlessness you are probably safer making an appointment with the doctor.
EaracheWhy does earache always happen to your child in the middle of the night? Good question, but no one knows the answer. But the good news is that recent research shows that the best treatment for earache is paracetamol (e.g. Calpol). There is almost always no need for antibiotics in a child with earache, unless the condition persists and does not respond to paracetamol.
It might be a good idea to let the doctor check your child's ears during normal surgery hours especially if he still has symptoms. Always do so if there is a discharge coming from his ears, or if there is significant hearing loss.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Most cases of diarrhoea and vomiting are caused by food indiscretion - possibly food poisoning or intolerance. Some cases can be caused by gastrointestinal viruses, especially in children. The vast majority of cases are harmless and improve within 24-48 hours.
The aim of treatment is to prevent dehydration. Young babies can become dehydrated very quickly - look out for a quiet, limp, listless baby, with a dry tongue and skin, often with a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on top of the skull). The elderly can also become dehydrated more quickly.
To prevent dehydration the patient should be encouraged to take regular oral fluids, e.g. flat cola or lemonade (NOT Diet type), or diluting juice. Children under the age of 2 should take oral rehidration mixture such as Rehidrat or Dioralyte. They should not have any solids by mouth and definitely no milk or any dairy products. This should be continued for at least 24 hours, or longer if the symptoms have not subsided. In a young child you should consider consulting the doctor if you suspect any dehydration.
Burns and Scalds
Run the affected area under a cold tap for 5 - 10 minutes immediately. If the area is large and blisters are starting to form you should attend the Accident and Emergency department in order to get the burn dressed.
Simple painkillers like Aspirin (not for children under 16 years old) or paracetamol will ease the pain.
If the affected area is very large or if the burn is severe (especially in a child) you should seek immediate medical advice at your local A/E department.
Cuts and Bruises
Minor cuts and bruises rarely get infected or cause any problems. However if you suffer a cut you should ensure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date. As a general rule a tetanus jag covers you for 5 - 10 years. Most children are covered by their childhood programme. If you are not covered you should seek medical advice as soon as possible, usually during normal working hours.
Please attend your local A/E department for more serious cuts and soft tissue injuries.
Meningitis
Nothing strikes more fear into the hearts of parents than the thought of meningitis. Thankfully it is really quite uncommon, but ironically because of that it can be missed by parents and doctors alike. The early signs of meningitis are notoriously similar to a cold or any other viral illness, e.g. fever, headache, runny nose. That makes it very difficult to diagnose. The "tumbler test" is a useful test to help distinguish between the rash of meningitis and that of other non-specific viral illnesses.
TUMBLER TEST - Place the base of a glass tumbler firmly over an area of the rash. If the rash fades or disappears it is NOT the classic haemorrhagic purpuric rash of meningitis. If it does not fade you should seek medical advice. Please remember that the test is not diagnostic of meningitis, so don't panic - many other less dangerous conditions can mimic the rash.
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