Welcome to Hope Family Medical Centre

add in downloadabled files for common illness/complaints and one for the child temperature

Advice on Management of Common Illnesses and Accidents

These notes are for guidance only; should patients or their relatives be sufficiently anxious about a complaint because of its severity, persistence or failure to respond to appropriate measures, they should of course, contact the surgery for further advice.

Diarrhoea/Sickness

This is usually due to a virus, and often settles in 1-2 days without any treatment. You can help by avoiding food and milk and by drinking clear fluids - water, squash or cola drinks - little and often.
The diarrhoea can drag on afterwards and then a drug like “Arret” from the chemist can help. Sickness and diarrhoea in babies and very young children can lead to dehydration - this can normally be avoided by following the same advice, i.e. stop milk (except breast milk) and give small frequent drinks of boiled water, or an electrolyte solution such as Dioralyte from the chemist.

As the child improves, milk and solids can gradually be started over the next 1-2 days. If a child is still passing urine regularly, this is a good sign that he is not dehydrated. If in any doubt about the severity or length of a child’s illness, do not hesitate to contact the surgery

Back Pain

Most people occasionally suffer back pain and some are more prone than others. Considering the complexity of bones, joints, muscles and ligaments it is no surprise that this is a common cause of disability and work absence.

Sudden severe back pain is helped by pain relievers such as combinations of Aspirin, Paracetamol and Codeine from the chemist. Ibuprofen (Nurofen) may also help. A heat pad or safe hot water bottle in the small of the back relaxes painful muscles.

At first you might need to lie on the floor (or a hard bed) flat on your back. Try placing a small cushion or support under the small of the back to keep the natural curve of the spine. As soon as possible try to roll to your front. Then use your arms to gently raise the shoulders arching the back slightly. Repeat this simple extension exercise hourly, and as soon as possible progress to sitting and walking.

Whether lying or sitting always try to keep the arch in the small of the back by placing a 6” soft foam roll or small cushion there. To prevent chronic back pain try regular walking, cycling or swimming.

Always lift with the back straight or gently arched and use the power of the leg muscles. Avoid prolonged sitting and soft lounge chairs. Use an upright kitchen type chair and a small cushion as described above. Use a support in the car seat.

If pain does not respond to these measures or is getting worse arrange to see the doctor.

Thrush

Many women have experienced this irritating complaint which is characterised by a white, itchy discharge. It can be treated with antifungal treatment (available from the chemist without prescription). Avoidance of nylon underwear, bubble bath and soap can reduce the chance of recurrence. If symptoms persist see your doctor.

Cystitis

Frequently passing urine which stings or burns suggests cystitis, which is sometimes caused by infection. If drinking plenty of fluids including bicarbonate of soda (1 teaspoonful per glass of water 4 times daily) does not relieve the symptoms, see your doctor. Remember to bring a fresh (not necessarily the first of the day) sample of urine in a clean container to be tested.

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.

Colds

Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, 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!

Sprains

Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply, firmly, a crepe bandage, elevate the affected limb 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. Ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen available from the chemist) will help.

Nose Bleeds

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. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

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.

Insect Bites & Stings

Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms. An ice cube placed over the sting will help.

Note: Bee stings should be scraped away rather than ‘plucked’ in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.

Head lice

These creatures contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are, therefore, not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Treatment can be obtained from the chemist without prescription.

Chickenpox

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4 mm across. Within a few hours of these 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 will turn ‘crusty’ and fall off.

Oily Calamine Lotion may be applied to soothe the often sever 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 7 days after the last crop of spots develop.

When Your Child Has a Temperature

A child will develop a temperature because of an infection; usually the child will get over such an infection without the use of antibiotics. Most childhood infections are caused by viruses and these DO NOT respond to antibiotics.
The following advice is to help you bring your child’s temperature down and make him or her feel better.
ALWAYS KEEP A SUPPLY OF PARACETAMOL SYRUP FROM THE CHEMIST (CALPOL, DISPROL) AT HOME. IF YOU WAIT UNTIL YOU NEED IT THERE WILL BE NONE CLOSE AT HAND.
1. If your child feels hot and appears unwell take his or her temperature, if you have a thermometer. The normal temperature is 37.0 degrees Centigrade. If either the temperature is raised or you don’t have a thermometer, but you think your child has a temperature, try to lower it as follows:-

2. Give your child Paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol). Give the maximum dosage stated for a child of that age.

3. Dress your child in cool clothes; T-shirt and shorts etc. Much heat is lost through a child’s head so leave it uncovered. Cool down the room by opening doors and windows.

4. Give your child plenty of cool drinks as fluid is lost with a fever. If he or she is reluctant to drink, encourage small amounts from a favourite cup.

5. Sponging your child down, particularly the head, with a tepid flannel, will make him or her feel better as well as bringing their temperature down. Using tepid water is more effective than using cold water.

6. Repeat the dose of Paracetamol every 4 hours if necessary.

7. If your child does not improve after giving Paracetamol and sponging, or appears particularly ill, call the doctor.

8. Ill children will always be seen as soon as possible if brought down to the surgery. You will not make your child worse by taking them in a pram or car to see the doctor. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.

9. A child with a fever is likely to be restless at night. Offer cool drinks and sponge them down if they wake.

10. Very rarely a child under 5 years will have a convulsion with a high temperature. The child suddenly shakes all over and then becomes very still. If your child does have a convulsion it should subside in less than 5 minutes. Lie the child on his or her side and stay with him or her while it lasts. If there is another adult in the house ask them to call the doctor. If not, call the doctor when the convulsion has passed.