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.

Bed Sores

Bed sores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure to certain parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible. Take care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet to avoid irritation. If red marks appear at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips, inform the doctor before they get worse.

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 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 (if over 16) 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.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is characterised by redness and soreness of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is often caused by the same virus that causes coughs and colds. Antibiotic drops or ointments are not usually necessary. Latest research shows that children with infectious conjunctivitis (even if it is caused by bacterial infection) who are not treated with antibiotic eye drops recover just as quickly as children given antibiotics and are no more likely to develop serious complications.

Conjunctivitis is a self-limiting condition which usually clears up on its own within seven days. Bathing the eyes with cool clean water soothes the eyes and removes any sticky discharge. Wash hands regularly and avoid sharing towels. See a doctor if a baby less than four weeks old develops conjunctivitis. If there is pain in the eye (not just mild discomfort), if vision is affected, if there is redness or swelling or there is no improvement within a few days, you should make an appointment.

Threadworms

Threadworms are common in young children. They cause itching around the anus especially at night. You may see small white thread-like worms on wiping a child’s bottom, in the stool, or around the anus. Treatment can be obtained from the pharmacist. The whole family ought to be treated. Scrupulous hand washing and keeping nails short helps to prevent recurrence.