Managing Minor Ailments

Outline  Coughs and colds  Sore throats  Ear infections  Vomiting and diarrhoea  Conjunctivitis  Eczema

 What are the symptoms of a common cold?  How many can you think of with the person sitting next to you? Common Cold

Symptom s CoughSneeze Runny Nose Blocked Nose Fever Sore throat Ear acheOff food

Question  How many colds is it normal for a child to have in one year?  ANone  B1-2  C4-5  D7-10 Answer

How to treat a common cold  Plenty of fluids  Rest  Paracetamol  Ibuprofen  What about antibiotics?

Antibiotics  Viruses and bacteria What’s the difference?  Most common infections (coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea) are caused by VIRUSES  Antibiotics do not work against viruses  The body’s immune system fights the infection

Antibiotics  Antibiotics cause side effects (rash, vomiting, diarrhoea)  If we use too many antibiotics now, they may not work in the future when we need them

When should I get help?  Breathing difficulties  Severeear pain or sore throat (painkillers not helping)  Drooling saliva  Not passing urine  Severe headache or drowsiness  Painfulto look at bright lights  Tiny red or pinprick spots on skin

When should I get help?  Ear pain for longer than 3 – 4 days  Sore throat for longer than 7 days  Cough and cold for longer than 10 days  Getting worse rather than better

Sore Throats

Ear Infections  Inside the ear  Often with cough, fever  Usually caused by virus  Antibiotics not always needed  Outside the ear  Usually itchy, sometimes painful  Drops are sometimes needed

Vomiting and Diarrhoea  Usually caused by a virus ‘viral gastroenteritis’

Treatment  Fluids little and often  Oral rehydration sachets  Avoid anti-diarrhoea medicine  Do not starve yourself  Avoid greasy or spicy foods  Maintain good hygiene  Stay off nursery / school / work for 2 days

What is normal? When should I get help?  Vomiting usually better after 2 – 3 days  Diarrhoea usually better after days (but may last up to 2 weeks)  Passing any blood with vomit or diarrhoea  Possible dehydration

Conjunctivitis  Sticky red eye  Sometimes itchy  Often caused by virus

When should I get help?  Painful eye  Change in vision  Unable to look at bright lights  You wear contact lenses

Treatment  Clean eyes with cotton wool and cooled boiled water  Do not share towels  Wash yourhands regularly  Do not wear contact lenses until better

Eczema  Very common  Most children grow out of it  Dry skin

Treatment  Moisturisers  Long term  Every day  Even when skin good  Steroid Cream  Short courses only  When skin more itchy and red

Your medicine cupboard  Painkillers / medicine for fever  Paracetamol  Ibuprofen  Antihistamine  Cetirizine  Loratadine  Plasters  Thermometer

Where to get help Online Pharmacist NHS Direct Your GPOut of hours GPEmergency Department

Pharmacy First  Register for free medicine (if you get free prescriptions)  Do not need to wait for GP  Ask your GP reception for details

When to go to A&E ‘critical or life threatening emergency’  Severe injuries  Sudden chest or tummy pain  Breathing difficulties  Heavy blood loss  Head injury  Loss of consciousness or fit  Suspected stroke  Overdose

Quiz – Case 1  Your 3 year old son has been miserable all day and feels hot.  His nose is a bit runny and he’s been coughing for the last 3-4 days.  He’s not eating much at all, but is drinking some juice.  He’s been lying on the sofa all day watching CBeebies.  How might you assess how unwell he is?  How might you manage this?

Quiz – Case 2  You are a 42 year old man who is normally well.  You woke last night with stomach cramps which felt quite severe and you’ve been vomiting.  You’ve vomited 6 or 7 times and also had watery diarrhoea about 8 times.  You feel sick most of the time, but are trying to drink.  What symptoms would you be worried about?  What should you do?

Quiz – Case 3  Your 4 month old baby has seemed unwell for the last 12 hours  She’s not been taking her milk (you think only about 6 or 7 oz in total).  She keeps crying, feels hotand vomited once.  No one else at home is unwell.  You’ve given her some paracetomol, but it’s made no difference.  It’s now 9pm and you’re worried.  What are your thoughts?  What are you going to do?

Quiz – Case 4  Your 6 year old has woken this morning and is complaining that his left ear hurts.  He has a temperature of  Over the last few days he’s had a bit of a runny nose.  What are you going to do?

Any Questions?

Feedback  What did you find useful ?  What might you do differently now ?  Anything else you’d like to learn about ?

A Brief Guide to Teenagers  Changes during the teenage years  Sexual Health  Drugs and alcohol  Accidents

Sexual Health  Sexual orientation  Safe sex  Pregnancy  Infections

Drugs and Alcohol  Drug use not always long term problem  How will you talk to your child?  Know the drugs  Know the signs  Further information  Talk to Frank 

Accidents  Around the house  Bathroom  Outside the home  Cycling  Walking  Roads  Water