Cuts | Burns | Colds | Sore Throats | Vomiting & Diarrhoea | Child with a Temperature

CUTS AND GRAZES

Wash the wound thoroughly with water or an appropriate antiseptic solution. To stop a cut bleeding, apply pressure with a clean handkerchief or dressing to the wound for a minute or so. Cover with a clean dry dressing.

BURNS, SCALDS AND SUNBURN
Minor burns and scalds cause redness of the skin.

Treat immediately by pouring cold water over the burn for 10 minutes. If the burn causes severe blistering or breaks the skin, consult the doctor or casualty department. Sunburn should be prevented by avoiding long exposure and using adequate sun tan protection. It may be treated with calamine lotion and paracetamol to relieve the pain.


COLDS

There is no cure for the common cold, which lasts for seven to ten days. Take plenty of drinks, use paracetamol for headaches and temperatures and inhale over hot water (do not use boiling water) to relieve nasal congestion. Antibiotics do not have any effect on the common cold.

SORE THROATS

Most sore throats are caused by viruses which do not respond to antibiotics. They usually last four to five days and respond to the same treatment as for colds.

VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHOEA

Again most cases are due to a viral infection and do not require antibiotics. Treat with frequent small amounts of liquid, avoid milk and food for 24 hours. As the stomach settles, take simple solids such as dry biscuits or toast before returning to a normal diet.

Consult your doctor if: vomiting and/or diarrhoea is accompanied by continuous stomach pains, symptoms persist longer than six hours in an infant or small child, an attack comes shortly after a visit abroad, the patient or parent is anxious or worried.

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A CHILD WITH A TEMPERATURE

Most childhood infections are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. The main aim of treatment is to try to bring down your child's temperature and make them feel better.

1. Give your child paracetamol (Calpol, Disprol etc) at the maximum dose for that age. Children under the age of 16 years should NOT be given aspirin.

2. Dress your child in cool clothes eg vests, shorts and keep the room cool.

3. Give plenty of cool drinks, as fluid is lost with a fever and encourage small
amounts frequently. Try ice lollies etc.

4. Sponge your child down with lukewarm water and dry them carefully.

5. Repeat the dose of paracetamol every four hours.

6. If your child does not improve or appears particularly ill, consult the doctor.

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

HEALTH PROMOTIONS

We encourage all our patients to share the responsibility for their health, both in preventing disease and in treating existing diseases. Prevention really is better than cure. Many of the most serious diseases can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and without the need for drugs. Please feel free to discuss general health and ask for advice. Below are some of the ways you can help yourself to live not only a longer but also a fitter and more enjoyable life.

SMOKING

This is the single largest preventable cause of ill health. It is a major cause of cancer, heart attacks, angina, ulcers, poor circulation and chest problems. If you would like advice and help in giving up, please ring Sister Banning who runs our 'Help to Quit' clinic.

DIET

A healthy diet not only helps control weight but also reduces cholesterol and helps prevent heart attacks. Ask the nurse for advice.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease as well as reducing weight and making you feel better. If you are overweight or out of shape, please ask for advice before starting vigorous exercise.

BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Reducing blood pressure can reduce these risks. Treatment does not always require tablets. All adults are advised to have their blood pressure checked every three years or so. All patients on medication for high blood pressure should have annual blood pressure checks.


ADVICE ON IMMUNISATION

CHILDREN: It is important that all children and babies are immunised. Illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus and polio are thankfully rare now because of recent immunisation policies but if contracted can be crippling or even fatal.

Whooping cough (pertussis) causes a very distressing illness with severe prolonged coughing and can lead to permanent lung damage.

The risk of vaccination, if indeed there is any, is minute and has certainly been overstated in the past. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many parents deciding against the vaccination for their children and whooping cough epidemics resulted from this.

We strongly recommend that all babies have this vaccination along with their other baby injections. If you have any worries or queries about any aspect of your child's immunisations, please feel free to discuss them with your doctor or practice nurse.

RECOMMENDED VACCINATION SCHEDULE

Linden Hall Surgery has a complaints procedure in operation whereby if you have a complaint regarding anything you see or hear in the practice you may feel free to contact Mrs Brotherton, the practice manager, directly. Alternatively you may put your complaint in writing and this will be dealt with in a professional manner by Dr Lisk and Mrs Brotherton.