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 NHS Direct
We strongly recommend that you make use of NHS Direct which is now available for all of your healthcare questions. Highly trained nurses are available 24hrs a day at the end of your telephone for any medical question about which you would normal ring your surgery.
All advice here is given as general information. If you have any doubt about your condition, then speak to your medical advisor. This advice applies only to the UK and may not be appropriate to those with different healthcare facilities.
Call: 0845 46 47 at any time on local rates,
or,
Visit the very comprehensive internet site here.
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High Temperature in Children
A temperature is usually a sign of an infection and can be due to toxins produced by the bugs. A temperature is normally simply a nuisance, but in children of around 2 to 4 years of age it can cause convulsions (or a fit). This is generally when the temperature is rapidly rising early in the illness, sometimes even before you know that they are unwell. It may run in the family. Temperatures can cause children to become delirious (confused) and certainly makes them feel more unwell. If you find that your child is running a temperature there are several things that you can do to help.
 Check for a rash. Press with a glass tumbler to see if the rash goes away (skin goes white) If not, ring the surgery immediately.
Can you get your child to kiss his/her knees or if young, put their foot on their face? If not, ring the surgery immediately.
Give them paracetamol liquid (Calpol, Junior Disprol, Medised) in the full dose for their age, up to four times daily.
Give them as much fluid to drink as possible.
Do not wrap them up. If necessary remove clothing to cool them down.
If they do begin to convulse, do not panic! Lay them on their side. Loosen any tight clothing and make sure that they do not harm themselves on nearby objects. Ring 999 for an ambulance as soon as possible. They may go blue around the lips for a few seconds and this is common. If they do not breathe for more than thirty seconds you may have to breathe for them.
Ante-natal classes now teach resuscitation of children but to refresh your knowledge go to the Save-A-Life classes run by Sussex Ambulance Service staff which are held regularly in Hailsham Health Centre. Ring Avenue House on (01323) 440022 to find the date of the next session . Its free to all.
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Colds and Flu
Colds and flu (Influenza) are caused by viruses. Symptoms include, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and pains and temperature with flu symptoms being more severe. Although many people confuse the two, viruses are different from bacteria in a number of important ways. Viruses are extremely small and generally live inside the cells of the body. They are usually spread by contact with body fluids - through contact with phlegm, saliva, blood, etc. In recent years there have been advances in the treatment of viruses with specific drugs. People may have heard of AZT used for the AIDS virus for example. Generally though, the common viruses that cause colds and flu have no effective treatment. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses whatsoever. The best treatment is to drink plenty of fluid and take regular doses of paracetamol ie 2 taken 4 times daily for an adult and to wait for the illness to run its course. This is usually about 7 days.
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Earache
Earache is very common in young children and is usually associated with a cold and runny nose (See above). It is more common if either or both of their parents smoke as a smoky atmosphere irritates the lining of the airways which includes inside the middle ear. Consequently antibiotics are commonly reserved for children who have discharge from their ear when bacteria may have complicated a simple viral infection.
Either way the most important part of the treatment for earache is that of pain relief . This means regular doses of paracetamol and/or junior nurofen (Providing they do not have asthma). They should be given plenty of drinks and local warmth, in the way of a hot water bottle or flannel can be very soothing. Earache may be uncomfortable but following this advice should help the symptoms until you can see your doctor. Antibiotics are not required in the middle of the night to relieve the pain. In fact in Holland very few antibiotics are given for ear infections and they have no more complications than in this country. As a nation we almost certainly take too many unnecessary antibiotics.
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Sore Throat
Sore throats are commonly viral but it is impossible to tell by looking at a sore throat, as to what the infection is due to, i.e. viral or bacterial. The following signs may require a visit to your doctor:
Marked enlargement of the glands of the neck
Being generally unwell with a temperature and confusion
Pus visible on the sides of the throat
A sore throat with perhaps a runny nose is most likely to be viral and can be treated at home. Use regular painkillers such as paracetamol (or aspirin if over 12 years of age) and plenty to drink to help the discomfort. Codeine (and ibuprofen/nurofen if you don't have asthma or indigestion) are stronger still. If you can get soluble tablets you can gargle before swallowing for extra effect. Like a cold it will last some 5 days before your body will naturally fight off the infection and prevent you from getting it again.
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Insect Bites
Many insect bites such as those of mosquitoes and gnats cause an irritating red bump which can keep people awake at night. There are effective creams and tablets available about which your pharmacist can advise. Generally, getting hot will make any rash more itchy so try and keep the affected area cool.
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Toothache
All people are entitled to NHS dental treatment. But to stay registered you must see your dentist regularly for checks. Because of this, and the decrease in the number of dentists seeing NHS patients, more and more people are not currently registered. Please find a dentist before you develop a problem . If you have difficulty finding an NHS dentist the Health Authority will help you find a dentist locally. When registered, you are entitled to 24 hr cover for all dental problems. If you develop toothache or another tooth related problem you should ring your dentist's normal telephone number. You may be asked to come the dental clinic at Hailsham Health Centre which is open after normal hours and at weekends. Please do not phone your GP as he/she is not trained in dental problems and you will be referred back to your dentist.
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Sprains and Strains
The tissues around a joint that hold it together are known as ligaments. It is usually these that are torn when you twist your ankle. There is often bleeding into the ligament which can cause significant swelling. If the joint is obviously deformed after the injury then a fracture (broken bone) is possible and you need to be seen at the hospital Accident & Emergency Dept. If you can walk on a twisted ankle it is more likely to be a simple sprain. The treatment for this is known as "RICE" That is:
Rest - keep off your affected joint for 24hrs
Ice - Covering with a towel and then a bag of frozen peas is very effective
Compression - wrapping in a bandage or "Tubigrip"
Elevation - raise the joint to reduce the build up of fluid.
If after 24hrs there is little improvement than you need to get further advice.
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Use of Hospital Emergency Department
As many of you will know waiting times in the Hospital Emergency department can be long and frustrating. Road crashes and heart attacks can occupy the staff at any time and less urgent cases have to wait. Many cases seen in these departments can be dealt with by your GP and so save precious time for the emergencies.
In an emergency you can dial 999 for an ambulance or go straight to the Accident and Emergency (Casualty) department of a hospital. If you're not sure what to do, call the GP immediately. These may be signs of an emergency, whether in adults or in children.
Severe chest pain. Warning signs include: Looking pale or grey, feeling sick or cold, sweating, or having breathing difficulties that last more than 10 minutes.
Breathing difficulties. These are serious if the person is gasping or panting for air, choking, or is unable to swallow or drink.
A high temperature or fever. Watch out for a temperature of over 40°C or 104°F, a stiff neck, cramps or vomiting or a child that seems weak and listless or suffers a fit or convulsion.
Bad injuries. These include serious eye injuries, deep cuts or wounds where the bleeding will not stop and injuries where the edges of the cut cannot be pulled together. 'Bad' means that it is difficult to clean the wound properly or that the area around the wound has become red and inflamed, possibly with red lines going down the arms or legs.
Head injuries. These are serious if the person has passed out (become unconscious), has developed double vision, seems confused or drowsy, or cannot remember what happened.
Broken bones. A bone may be broken if the person cannot put any weight on it, if an arm or leg is twisted, or if the person is in great pain.
Sudden severe pains. These are serious if the person has no idea what has caused the pain and if the pain lasts more than 10 minutes.
The person has collapsed, is unconscious and cannot be woken
Bad burns or scalds. These are serious if there is heavy blistering or the skin is broken, if the burn covers a large area or is on the face, or if the skin has turned white or black. The burned area may feel numb.
Vomiting with stomach pains which are getting worse.
Vomit or diarrhoea containing blood.
Nose bleeds. Take action if the patient is taking anti-coagulants (blood-thinning medicines) or if the bleeding does not stop after holding the nose closed for at least 15 minutes.
Insect bites or stings. These are serious when the person has been stung in the mouth or throat, if the person normally suffers reactions to bites or stings, or if blisters or a rash appears on another part of the body.
Bites from animals or humans.
Serious allergic reactions. These may be reactions to bites and stings, or reactions to drugs or to foods like peanuts. Watch out for: swellings, especially the lips and eyelids; feeling generally unwell with aches and pains; difficulty in breathing and tightness of the chest; turning pale and fainting; widespread itching or rash.
Serious sunburn. Watch out for: large burned areas and blistering, with cold shivers; queasiness or sickness; vomiting; fever or palpitations.
What should not be seen in the Emergency dept:
Sore throats.
Symptoms of flu.
Twists and Sprains which happened more than 2 days previously.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting.
Earache.
Remember, one day, you may be the person with the serious illness. Give the staff the time to treat those who need it most.
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