Management Of Common Ailments

Asthma

We strongly encourage anyone who has asthma to see one of our specialist nurses for an annual review of their treatment to make sure it is as good as possible and to have an action plan to help manage their symptoms themselves and explain the latest treatments. Please book this saying that it is for an annual review.

Very useful information can be found at www.asthma.org.uk

Colds And Flu

These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. They are caused by viruses and antibiotics are of no use in their treatment. Treatment consists of taking reccomended doses of paracetamol for the temperature and aches and drinking plenty of fluids.

Do not worry if you do not eat for a few days, you will come to no harm.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting

The main treatment here is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of clear fluids. Rehydration powders (eg Dioralyte) help the fluid to be absorbed, but are not usually necessary except for babies. Vomiting usually settles within a few hours.

If it persists beyond 24 hours, sooner in babies and young children, consult your doctor.

Backache, Strains And Sprains

Back pain is extremely common and often very worrying and painful. It is very rare for it to be due to a serious cause (such as cancer) or to need an operation. Most back pain comes from muscles, ligaments and small back joints and will settle quickly if you take regular painkillers for a few days such as two paracetamol four times a day (adult dose) and keep as active as possible.

Bed rest is to be avoided as it can cause the back to stiffen and weaken. In the long run, regular walking, swimming, dancing and most exercises will help prevent many episodes of back pain.

Chiropractors and osteopaths may be able to help with back pain but are not available on the NHS. Back scans are generally only arranged if serious causes are suspected or if an operation is being planned, and they can be misleading in ordinary back pain.

If you have back pain, worrying symptoms (which are very rare) include: difficulty passing or controlling urine, numbness around your back passage or genitals, numbness, pins and needles or weakness in BOTH legs or unsteadiness on your feet. If these occur see a doctor, or ring and report the symptoms urgently.

Recommended website www.backpain.org and click on medinfo and then low back pain.
Recommended booklet 'The Back Book' ISBN 0117029491 from TSO, tel: 0870 600 5522.