Minor Illnesses
Treating Minor Illnesses...an overviewWe are all only to familiar with the problems of Minor Illnesses, like colds and the occasional tummy problem. Simple treatment and time are often the best way to deal with these common ailments.
By following the straight forward advice on this page you may well overcome your Minor Illness problems quickly and easily.
If you are unsure about any of these minor conditions or need further advice, ring NHS Direct in the first instance. They can tell you if you need to contact your GP surgery.
There is also the NHS Direct Self-help guide which is free, and available from pharmacies and Safeway Supermarkets.
Sore Throats, Colds and a Stuffy or Runny nose Sore ThroatsMost sore throats are caused by a virus infection which antibiotics cannot cure. With simple treatment the patient normally gets better in four or five days. Tonsillitis usually starts with a sore throat, which causes pain on swallowing. There may be a fever, it might be possible to see white spots on the tonsils and glands in the neck may be swollen and painful. A hoarse voice, dry cough and sore throat indicates a viral laryngitis.
TREATMENT Adults: Soluble aspirin -2 x 300mg, gargle and swallow four times a day. Drink plenty and take steam inhalations. Make an appointment to see the doctor if the sore throat is getting worse after two days, or if the patient complains of earache.
Colds and a Stuffy or Running NoseThe common cold usually starts with a hot feeling in the back of the throat. The patient feels unwell and aches, and the nose starts running with a clear liquid which becomes a thick yellow discharge after three to four days. ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT HELP.
Treatment is as for sore throat. Add menthol or Friar's Balsam to the steam inhalations. Inhale for ten minutes three times a day.
CoughsIf dust or food enters the air passages, coughing acts as a protector. It also prevents mucus from causing infection on the chest. To suppress this action with cough mixtures can cause more harm than good.
The best treatment is steam inhalations. For dry coughs a linctus can be bought from the chemist.
Make an appointment to see the doctor if coughing continues for more than a week or two after a common cold has cleared up, if coughing produces a yellow or green sputum - it may mean the lower air passages are infected, if breathing is accompanied by a pain in the chest or shortness of breath, or if coughing produces blood.
Vomitting and DiarrhoeaVomiting may be caused by a virus infection of the stomach, food poisoning and by eating or drinking too much. It normally stops within 24 hours and may be followed by diarrhoea. Some children will vomit when they have a temperature.
Treatment of VomitingRest and eat nothing for 24 hours. Drink small sips of water regularly. As the stomach settles try bread or clear soup before gradually returning to a normal diet.
Children and Infants:Try Dioralyte sachets made up with boiled water to replace body fluids.
Make an appointment to see the doctor if vomiting is accompanied by continuous stomach pain, if vomiting lasts for longer than 24 hours, or if a vomiting child has a temperature of more than 38°C (100°F), or if the child has a rash.
Treatment of DiarrhoeaDiarrhoea is unpleasant but rarely dangerous. It may be due to change of diet, food poisoning or travel abroad. It is often accompanied by colicky (cramp-like) pains and usually begins to get better in 48 hours. Rest and eat nothing for 24 hours. Drink small sips of water regularly. As things settle down try bread or clear soup before gradually returning to a normal diet.
Make an appointment to see the doctor if it does not start to settle after 48 hours, if an attack comes shortly after a visit abroad, or if there is continuous pain.
