Self Treatment of Minor Illness

NHS Direct

This is a telephone service staffed by nurses, which gives confidential health care advice and information 24 hours a day. They will send you leaflets about specific medical conditions and illnesses. Telephone 0845 4647 or click on weblink below.

NHS Direct Online

Coughs and Colds

These are usually caused by viruses and, unfortunately, there is no cure. Antibiotics are of no use. Treatment usually consists of taking recommended doses of paracetamol and drinking fluids. The illness will last less than one week. If the cough persists, you are coughing dirty sputum or become breathless, you should see the doctor.

Fever

A raised temperature is natural with most illnesses and simple measures will make you more comfortable. In small children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly by giving paracetamol syrup (check dosage). Also, keep the room cool and don’t wrap the patient up. Regular cool drinks and sponging down with a cool flannel is effective. If your child does not respond, we will always give them an appointment. You will not make them worse by bringing them to the surgery in the pram or car. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.

Warts and Verrucas

For patients especially children, suffering with warts or verrucas, cryotherapy (freezing) is no longer available.

Research has shown that topical treatments are more effective than freezing, as long as you persist for long enough. Usually warts or verrucas will go themselves after 2 years as the body develops immunity to the virus that causes them.

Please ask for further advice or you can buy these topical treatments over the counter at a pharmacy.

Vomiting & Diarrhoea

In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting will, usually get better on its own within 36 hours. Treatment consists of replacing the fluid you have lost and resting the digestive system by having no solid food for 24 hours. Clear fluids should be taken as sips every few minutes. Sachets of powder such as Dioralyte are available from the chemist. If the diarrhoea contains blood or there is severe pain or high fever you should inform your doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in babies should be treated with caution and the doctor will be happy to advise you over the phone and arrange to see the child if necessary.

Back Pain

Usually caused by lifting and straining. Remember when lifting to bend your knees and keep your back straight. Most back pain gets better with rest and painkillers.

Childhood Rashes

If your child is basically well with a rash, but fails to settle within 48 hours, then seek medical advice. If your child is ill with a rash, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you warn the receptionist that your child has a rash and may be infectious, we can arrange for you to be shown through to another area to wait. Your child may need to be kept isolated from other children during the illness. The doctor will advise.

Stomach Ache

Most attacks are not serious and are caused by indigestion and wind. Usually a hot water bottle and antacid such as milk of magnesia will help. If the pain last more than 8 hours or is getting worse you should consult your doctor.

Chicken Pox

The rash appears as small red patches with itchy blisters. The rash will dry up and crust over in about 4 days. The child is infectious until the last crusts have dropped off. Calamine lotion and cool baths help the itch.