Back Pain
causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year.
The spine, being made up of 24 fragile bones and associated cartilage and
tendons, supports the whole weight of the upper body and, therefore, 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 more than a few days. If, as is usual, the
pain has been caused by abuse ie lifting to heavy weights etc,
be sensible and take things easy.
Take care to sit as upright as possible, with support for the small of the back.
* Take Aspirin or Paracetamol, which will not only relieve the pain,
but will help to relieve inflammation. Your Doctor may well prescribe stronger
drugs, gentle exercise and, if appropriate, arrange physiotherapy. Bed sores
are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged
pressure to certain parts of the body, when lying in bed for long periods.
They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as
possible and taking care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet, which
could lead to localised irritation. Keep your eye open for red marks appearing
at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips and, if they
begin to appear, inform the Doctor before they get worse.
Burns
Apply 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 4 or 5 inches in diameter or if the skin is broken,
consult your Doctor as soon as possible.
Chicken Pox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about
3-4mm across. Within a few hours of this developing, small blisters appear
in the centre of these patches. During the next 3 or 4 days further patches
will appear and the earlier ones turn 'crusty' and fall off. Oily calamine lotion
may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help.
* The most infectious period is from 2 or 3 days before the rash appears
and up to 5 days after this date. Children may return to school as soon
as the last 'crusts' have dropped off.
Colds
Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common
cold. Go to bed and take plenty of drinks. If you have a headache or are
feverish, take Aspirin or Paracetamol. Do not bother to take any antibiotics
you may have in the house - these will have no effect!
Diarrhoea
In adults diarrhoea is usually caused by a virus infection and is
therefore unable to be treated directly. The symptoms can usually be eased
by the traditional kaolin and morphine mixture or by medicines containing
codeine. Holiday diarrhoea is often due to bacteria. Again, kaolin and
morphine can be taken.
In both the above cases, consult your Doctor if the symptoms persist for more
than a few days.
Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most
babies have loose bowel action during their first 6 months, due to their
predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should
be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding it a cooled solution, made
up of 1 pint of boiled water with a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of
salt. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by
vomiting or weakness, consult your Doctor.
Gastroenteritis
describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of
the intestine.
* Symptoms are often 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, orange juice, milk or thin soup should be taken, to
counter the effects of dehydration. Consult your Doctor if symptoms persist
for more than a day or, in the case of babies or young children, 6 hours.
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 in diameter
and does not itch. No other symptoms are usually present, apart from
occasional aching joints.
* It is infectious from 2 days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears,
in about 4 or 5 days from that date.
* The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all
contacts are informed, in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact
their Doctor.
Head Lice
These creatures, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and
are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Medicated head lotion can
be obtained from the Chemist, without prescription.
Insect Bites & Stings
Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the Chemist
without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms.
Note: Bee stings should be scraped away rather than 'plucked', in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around
the 4th day of illness. It is at its most infectious from 2 or 3 days before the rash
appears, until 8 or 10 days after that date.
* Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Minor Cuts & Grazes
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap.
To stop bleeding, apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound for
about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry dressing.
Mumps
Symptoms are, swelling of the glands in front of one ear, often followed
after a couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from
2 or 3 days before the swelling appears until 8 or 10 days after that date.
* If the pain is severe you should consult your Doctor.
Nosebleeds
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your
nose just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding
should have stopped. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms
persist, consult your Doctor.
Sprains
Firstly, apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30
minutes, to reduce the swelling. Apply, firmly, a crepe bandage and give the sprain
plenty of rest until all discomfort has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to
further swelling and a longer recovery period.
Stomach Ache
Most 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 bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help.
* If pain lasts for longer than 8 hours or increases in intensity, you should consult
your Doctor.
Sunburn
Treat as for other burns, with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine
lotion will relieve the irritation, whilst Paracetamol will also help.
Children are particularly susceptible to sunburn and great care should be taken to
avoid over exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.
It is wise to use high factor sun protection creams, to protect against immediate
burning and long-term damage to the skin.
Toothache
If you are not registered with a dentist and would like to find one, or require urgent
dental treatment during normal working hours, NHS Direct [Tel No: 0845 46 47]
will be able to help you. In the event of a dental emergency such as swelling, trauma,
bleeding or severe dental pain, urgent treatment or advice may be obtained by
telephoning either Preston [01772] 522016 or Blackpool [01253] 308105.
This service does not operate on a ‘drop in’ basis and patients must telephone prior
to attending.
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