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Self Treatment Of Common Illness And Accidents
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 is 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 usual, the pain has been caused by abuse i.e. lifting too heavy weights etc, be sensible and take things easy. Take are to sit as upright as possible with a support for the small of the back. Take asprin or paracetamol, which will not only relieve the pain but will help to relive inflamination. Your doctor may well prescribe stronger drugs, heat treatment, gentle exercise or some kind of supportive corset.
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.
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 disease 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 quantites 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.
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