SELF TREATMENT Common Aches and Pains
Many common aches and pains can be simply treated at home without the need to
consult a doctor.
Back Pain
Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in 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 more than a few days. If, as is usual, the pain
has been caused by abuse ie lifting too heavy weights etc, be sensible and take
things easy. Take care to sit as upright as possible with a 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, heat treatment, gentle exercise or some kind of supportive
corset.
Sore Throats
Four out of every five sore throats are caused by viruses and therefore
antibiotics are useless. If your throat is sore but you are otherwise okay there
is no need to see the doctor. Simply give children's paracetamol syrup and
fluids (aspirin should nOT be given to children under 16). For adults, gargling
with soluble aspirin is the most effective remedy. Dissolve two aspirins in one
inch of warm water in a glass. Take sips of the solution and gargle with each
sip for as long as you can without swallowing. If you are very hot and unwell
and can see white spots on your tonsils you may have a true tonsillitis and you
should come and see us at the surgery.
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 four or five inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult
your doctor as soon as possible.
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 antibiotics as these will have no effect!
Diarrhoea
In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral 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. 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 six months due to their predominantly
liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by
taking the baby off solids and feeding them a cooled solution of boiled water
with a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to the pint. If the
symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or
weakness, consult your doctor.
Gastroenteritis
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 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, six hours.
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 the pain lasts for longer than eight hours or increases in intensity
you should consult your doctor.
Sprains
Treat with a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15 to 30 minutes to
reduce the swelling. Then 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.
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.
Chickenpox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within
a few days of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these
patches. During the next three or four 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 two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days
after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last ‘crusts’ have
dropped off.
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 and doesn’t itch. No other symptoms are
usually present apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two
days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about four or five
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.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth
day of illness. It is at its most infectious from two or three days before the
rash appears until eight or ten days after that date.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Mumps
Symptoms are swelling of the gland in front of one ear often followed, after a
couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious from two
or three days before the swelling appears until eight or ten days after that
date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Bromley Primary Care Trust, Bassetts House
Broadwater Gardens, Farnborough BR6 7UA 01689 853339
Birth and Death Registration
Bromley 020 8460 2201
Sidcup 020 8300 4537
Local Social Services
The
Town Hall, Widmore Road, Bromley 020 8464 3333
Local DSS Department
The
Walnuts, High Street, Orpington 01689 826721
NHS
Smoking Helpline (9.00am - 11.00pm daily) 0800 1690169
Quitline (9.00am - 9.00pm daily) 0800 002200
Bromley Smokers Support Service 020 8289 6657
PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison Service) 01689 853339