Common Pains

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Day to day bumps and bruises are as common but that doesn’t mean they’re any less of a pain. Here are a few suggestions on how to deal with those annoying coughs, burns, lumps, bumps, sprains and strains, courtesy of our healthful and helpful friends at the NHS Direct web site.

Quick navigation: Colds | Burns | Sprains | Lumps | First aid

Feeling under the weather? Coughs and colds are part of the norm. Short of locking yourself in a room 24 hours a day, try to avoid getting physical with infected people because viruses are passed on through saliva, coughs and sneezes. Other common infections affect the nose, throat and voice box. They aren’t normally treated with antibiotics unless there are signs of bacterial infection. Got a sore throat, a headache and a fever? Does it hurt to swallow? You may have tonsillitis. Look at your tonsils in the mirror - if they’re swollen and red book yourself in to see the doc. Does your face feel full of cold? Your sinuses may well be infected. It should settle on its own, but you might need a fix of antibiotics. Nasal sprays may help in the short term. Laryngitis can develop from a sore throat or cold, leaving your voice box inflamed. Stop gassing, give it a rest and all should be well in a few days. For more information about infections, visit the NHS Direct web site.

Burns & scalds Ever picked up a pan forgetting it’s hot, or burnt yourself on the oven trying to reach the pizza? Physical heat or flame, hot liquids (scalds), friction and electricity can all cause burns. So you’ve burnt yourself – what’s the first thing you should do?... other than swearing! • remove the source of the trouble as quickly as possible • put the burned/scalded part of skin under a cold tap until you can’t bear the cold • cover the burns with clean dressings or cloths to minimise infection Did you know? Effective first aid can do more for burns than the most skilled surgical treatment can later on.

Sprains Have you fallen over your own feet staggering home from the pub and been left limping for days? Or wobbled over on your new killer heals leaving you in a swollen agony? You may have sprained something. A sprain happens when you over stretch your ligaments leaving them feeling sore, swollen and difficult to move. The majority of sprains are minor, however it could be a major tear leaving the joint permanently loose. If you’re unsure…get it checked out. But don’t worry most sprains won’t leave you out of action for too long. Strap it firmly and rest it. If it’s more serious you might need a plaster cast! Not exactly the epitome of cool, so exercise your joints to keep them strong to prevent a repeat performance next time you’re down the SU! Check out the NHS Direct Website for more information on sprains.

Lumps We all need to be aware of changes to our bodies, keeping a look out for lumps and bumps that could be the early warning sign of something more serious.

So, boys… testicular cancer is relatively rare but is on the rise check yourself for changes monthly. Having a hot bath or shower, softens your skin and makes the testicle easier to feel. And girls… it’s well known that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. Be smart, examination’s the best form of prevention. Try and do it regularly. Slight changes are normal; you’ll know best what’s normal for you. If you are concerned, go see your GP but don’t panic the majority of lumps aren’t cancerous. Want to know more? Click on the links to go to the NHS Direct web site.

First aid Cuts are inevitable when cleaning up broken bottles and glasses after a party. You may have the odd novelty plaster or paracetamol knocking about, but a well-stocked first aid kit is far more useful. What should it contain? • paracetamol and aspirin (don’t give aspirin to under 16s unless advised by a doctor) • selection of plasters • cotton wool • dressings and a bandage • elastic tape • scissors and tweezers • thermometer Don’t forget! • instructions are there for a good reason – read them! • medicine goes out of date just like food • unwanted and out-of-date medicine should go back to the pharmacy – don’t let them get into the wrong hands - Chec k out the NHS INTERACTIVE FIRST AID BOX