Colds and Sinus Pains

Take plenty of fluids and paracetamol Inhalation with steam and eg menthol crystals can help clear nasal passages. If they are blocked you could ask the Chemist to recommend a decongestant. You should be improving after seven to ten days and be better by two weeks. We would like to see you if you are getting worse instead of better by then.

Coughs

These can be soothed by a drink made with honey and fresh lemon juice in hot water. If particularly irritating, steam inhalations or your favourite cough medicine can be worthwhile. If you are coughing up coloured phlegm or have a high fever or are breathless please arrange to see a doctor.

Flu

If you have a temperature and are aching a lot, paracetamol, fluids and rest are the answer.

Sore throats

Gargle with soluble paracetamol, drink plenty of fluids and use lozenges or boiled sweets if they help.

Antibiotics

First a note about these commonly prescribed and powerful medicines. They only work on bacteria and have no effect on viruses. Unfortunately, this means that common infections like coughs, colds and flu etc will not be helped by them at all. The correct treatments are the simple remedies outlined above and we only use antibiotics when they fail and we suspect there may be a secondary bacterial infection. Overuse of antibiotics and failure to complete the course may lead to them not working in future on other complications like thrush, skin rashes etc.

Burns

Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain until the pain subsides. This may take up to 15 minutes. It the skin is unbroken but blistered apply a loose dry dressing. If the burn is larger than four to five inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your Doctor as soon as possible.

Sunburn

Treat as other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation. Paracetamol may also help. Children are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, put a hat on them, dress in lightweight clothing to cover arms & legs & use a sun barrier on exposed areas. Over-exposure to the harmful effects of sunlight can cause cancer in later life.

Nosebleeds

Sit in a chair, lean forward with your mouth open and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes, place some ice or cold peas over the bridge of the nose if somebody is available to help. If the bleeding does not stop please call 999. Avoid hot drinks and hot food for 24 hours.

Sprains

First apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible (a bag of frozen peas kept for this purpose is ideal), for 15-20 minutes to reduce 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 time.

Insect Bites and Stings

Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the Chemist without a prescription and will usually relieve symptoms. Note: bee stings should be scraped away rather than ‘plucked’ to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

This usually settles after one to three days. Avoid all food for 12-24 hours; drink plenty of fluids, frequently and in small amounts. If very frequent, special fluids, eg Dioralyte, will prevent dehydration and are available from the Chemist. Avoid milk, diary produce and fatty/spicy foods when starting to eat again. Tummy colic can be eased by paracetamol.

Unconsciousness

Do not move a patent that may have a broken neck or back. If this is not the case turn the patient carefully into the recovery position – on their side – and ensure that they have a clear airway; cover with a blanket to keep warm. Call 999

Fits

Do not move, do not forcibly restrain and do not put anything in the mouth. Place in the recovery position, ie on their side, and ensure they have a clear airway. Do not give anything to drink. If this is a first fit call 999. If the person is known to have epilepsy but the fit is different to previous fits or lasts longer than 10 minutes call 999.

Stroke

F acial weakness (has the mouth or eye drooped ?)

A rm or leg weakness (can the person raise both arms ?)

S peech problems (can the person speek clearly and understand ?)

T ime to dial 999

Heart Attack

If you are experiencing chest pain for the first time (often feels like your chest is being squeezed and the pain may radiate to the jaw, arm, neck or back) call 999

If you have a diagnosis of angina carry your GTN spray with you at all times. If you develop chest pain take 2 doses immediately. If the pain persists at 5 minutes call 999. (Do not drive to hospital)