Common Illnesses
These are just general guidelines and should be backed up with a good dose of common sense from yourself.
For walking wounded where it seems the full panoply of a major casualty department seems slightly excessive, there is an excellent walk in minor injuries Unit at Chippenham Community Hospital 01249 456403.
Coughs and colds
Colds are a regular occurrence in life, a nuisance and mildly unpleasant. They are characterised by a runny nose and cough with perhaps a fever and general malaise. They are caused by a virus and there is no cure apart from time. During that time an over the counter remedy to alleviate the symptoms is all that is required.
A cough is the most common symptom presented to a doctor. It is actually part of the body's defence mechanism for clearing foreign bodies from the air passages or thick mucus. Unfortunately we all hate having them.
Inhaling steam can help and a cough medicine from the chemist. Doctors have no magic remedies for a cough unless it is part of an illness such as a chest infection which might require antibiotics or asthma which might need some different medication. Most of the time it is just a post viral cough and as such medicines such as antibiotics will have no effect.
The colour of the mucus is an unreliable guide to whether infection is there or not.
As a general guide antibiotics may be necessary if the illness is out of all proportion to what you have experienced before or if after a week or so the symptoms are getting worse rather than better. Also there are certain groups of people such as the elderly or those with chronic lung conditions where it may be prudent to prescribe a course.
Flu
A commonly abused term but this is an illness characterised by fever, shivering, aching all over and often a persistent hacking cough and runny eyes and nose. Again antibiotics make no difference and the best thing to do is stay in bed with regular hot drinks and paracetamol.
Low back pain.
The second commonest cause (after colds and flu) of time off work.
Find a comfortable position and take something for the pain such as paracetamol or nurofen (or both). Local heat can help. If the pain is severe and persists or is associated with other physical symptoms consult a doctor. Many people consult a physiotherapist or osteopath after a few days as well if the pain is not settling.
Burns
Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes. If the skin is unbroken but blistered apply a dry loose dressing. If the area is larger than 4-5 inches or there is a large area of broken skin then consult a nurse or doctor.
Sunburn
Treat as for a burn with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation as will an anti histamine tablet.
Nose bleeds
The vast majority will stop if the following guidance is followed.
Lean forward and pinch the bridge of the nose for 5 minutes (time yourself). Try to avoid blowing your nose or rubbing it which will dislodge the clot.
Minor cuts and grazes
Wash the wound with a little soap and cold water. Press to stop the bleeding. Animal bites need good cleaning as they often get infected. Only deep penetrating dirty wounds in someone who has never had a primary tetanus injection need a tetanus booster.
Vomiting and Diarrohea
The majority of cases are caused by a virus. The best thing is to take frequent small sips of cooled, boiled water and then as the interval between vomits increases, to increase the fluid intake. The majority of cases are settling by the end of the day although some nausea can persist for a few days and there over the counter remedies which will help. Some flat coca cola often helps to brighten you up after a lot of vomiting too. If it is still getting worse in an adult after 12-14 hrs then consult a doctor. In the very small children, have a lower threshold for making contact for advice or to be seen at the surgery.
New onset diarrohea is also generally caused by a virus. If you feel like eating then aim for stodgy food such as mashed potato, boiled rice, pasta and banana's. Also medication is available over the counter. Consult a doctor if there is blood in the motions or the illness is associated with fever and shivering that persists for more than 24 hrs.
Cystitis
Is characterised by burning on passing urine, frequent trips to the toilet and aching just above the pubic bone.
Drink plenty of water and aim for about 3 litres over 2 hrs. Some over the counter remedies can help too. If after 24 hrs it is the same or getting worse then come and see a nurse or doctor especially if it is associated with fever and aching in the back.
Sprained ankles
Elevate the leg and apply an ice pack. Take some nurofen. If you are still unable to bear weight after 24 hrs then it might be prudent to attend Casulty.
