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

Common Cold

Symptoms

Cough

Sneeze

Runny Nose

Blocked NoseFever

Sore throat

Ear ache

Off food

Question How many colds is it normal

for a child to have in one year?

A None B 1-2 C 4-5 D 7-10 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 5 - 7 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 helpOnline

www.nhs.ukwww.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

www.patient.co.ukPharmacist

NHS Direct0845 46 47

Your GP

Out 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 37.6. 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 www.talktofrank.com

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