The folowing information is intended solely for registered patients of Elm Surgery and should not be used as a substitute for seeking advice from a GP.

Colds & Flu – These usually start with a runny nose, temperature, aches and pain.  Antibiotics will not help these illnesses as these illnesses are caused by viruses.  Keep warm, rest and take plenty of fluids.  Paracetamol taken every 6 hours will relieve the worst of the symptoms.  Ibuprofen is a good alternative or addition to Paracetamol, but can make asthma worse and will give some people indigestion.

Sore Throats – These are mainly caused by viruses.  Unless the patient is really unwell, antibiotics are unlikely to speed recovery.  Keep drinking fluids and take Paracetamol and or Ibuprofen every 6 hours.  But should not use both Ibuprofen and Aspirin.  In addition, the over 12’s can try gargling with soluble Aspirin.

Diarrhoea and Vomiting – These illnesses are usually self limiting.  Kaolin and Morphine or Imodium are best avoided, since they may slow the Diarrhoea, but will usually allow the drug to stay in your body longer.  Avoid food for at least 24 hours, but drink plenty of water or Electrolyte solutions such as Dioralyte.  In children, it is probably best to give their favourite drink, since this is the one they are likely to drink most readily!  A good alternative to electrolyte solutions is “flat coke” (or lemonade etc).  Take a litre of ordinary coke and let it go flat by adding a teaspoon of salt.  The strong flavour of the coke masks the saltiness and children may drink it more readily than Dioralyte.  (don’t use “Diet” cokes or lemonades.  The sugar in these drinks is an important component.)  Children dehydrate more easily than adults; telephone for advice if you are concerned.

Strains,sprains and backache – Many acute sprains and strains will respond to a few days rest and Paracetamol.   Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory (see cautions above) will complement Paracetamol, if pain persists, is very severe or causes problems in the legs, bowel or bladder, consult the Doctor.  Arnica and Rhus Tox are two homeopathic medicines that can be helpful.  “Arnica is of particular benefit for shock and bruising.

Headlice – These creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor hygiene.  Lotions and shampoo are available from your chemist.  Regular brushing and combing prevent headlice.

Worms – These are a common problem and the chemist can advise you about treatment for the whole family.

Nosebleeds  - Sit in a chair, leaning forward with your mouth open and pinch your nose firmly below the bone for 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have stopped.

Warts or Verrucas – The chemist will be pleased to advise on simple treatments, such as “Compound W” available without prescription. 

Fever in children – These are mostly caused by viruses, especially in toddlers.  Keep the child cool, give regular Paracetamol syrup, (eg.Calpol) according to dosage instructions on the bottle, - plenty of drinks.  Children often lose their appetite so do not worry about meals if they are not interested.  Consult the doctor if the child seems particularly unwell or is not improving by 48 hours.

Insect stings and bites – Wasps:  apply vinegar to neutralise the sting as soon as possible.  Bees:  scrape away the sting and apply a little bicarbonate of soda as soon as possible.  Generally – keep an antihistamine cream or tablets in the house to use when necessary (and particularly if travelling abroad) to soothe the itch and soreness. 

Sunburn – Avoid exposure to strong sun and use a good sunscreen with a good protection factor, especially in children.  Otherwise treat as burns and drink plenty of fluids.

Chickenpox – On the first day a rash appears as small red patches.  Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches.  During the next 3 – 4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off.  Calamine lotion or calamine in aqeous cream may be applied to soothe the often severe itching.  Cool baths may also help.  The most infectious period is from 2-3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this date.  Children may return to school 7 days after the most recent crop of spots.

Earache -   This is often due to middle ear infection and can be a complication of a cold.  Treat firstly with a simple painkiller such as Paracetamol (Calpol or Disprol are the same as Paracetamol) and some gentle local warmth, like ear muffs.  This may be all that you need to do.  If symptoms persist, make an appointment for a check examination.  We have traditionally given antibiotics for middle ear infections: much published research is now questioning the value of this.  The patients studied seem to get better just as quickly without antibiotics.  At present, we have no hard and fast rules, but take several factors into account when deciding whether to prescribe an antibiotic.

Useful Telephone Numbers

YOUR LOCAL PRIMARY CARE TRUST

Plymouth tPCT are responsible for the provision of primary care services in the area served by Elm Surgery.  Information on the role and responsibilities of the PCT together with the range of primary medical services available in Plymouth can be found at www.plymouth-pct.nhs.uk or by contacting the PCT at

Plymouth tPCT
Building One
Brest Road
Plymouth
PL6 5QZ
Tel 01752 315315
Fax 01752 315321