DISCLAIMER:
This is general advice only and NOT a substitute for seeing your doctor.
If you have any further concerns please seek attention from your GP.
 

Sore Throats

Four out of every five sore throats are caused by viruses and therefore
antibiotics are inappropriate. If your throat is sore but you are otherwise fine 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 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.
 

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 tradition 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. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
 

Colds

Even in this day and age there is still no magic cure for the common cold. Go to bed, take plenty of fluids. If you have a headache or are feverish, take aspirin or Paracetamol. Do not bother to take antibiotics as these will have no effect!
 

Urine infection

If you are having pain or difficulty when passing urine please bring a urine sample to the surgery for testing by the Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant. Please telephone the surgery beforehand to ensure someone is on site to test the sample.
 

Nosebleeds

Sit in a chair, lean forward with your mouth open, and pinch your nose just below the bone for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for 24 hours. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
 

Minor Cuts and Grazes

Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop bleeding apply a clean handkerchief dressing firmly to the wound for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.
 

Insect Bites and Stings

Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription and will usually relieve most symptoms. Note: bee stings should be scraped away rather than ‘plucked’ in order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.

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