Common Medical Problems

There are certain medical illnesses that can affect any individual anytime and needs only some medicines to control them. They are usually infrequent but if severe or frequent, medical help should be sought.

Headache

This may be due to sun, tension, constipation, defective vision, cold, fever, hunger, hypo tension etc. It may be ache or throbbing in nature. It may be continuous or intermittent. The cause, if found, should be treated. Patient should be given paracetamol, aspirin or analgin. Cold compress placed on the head also may be useful in some patients and can be tried before taking the medication.

Earache

It could be due to wax or boil in the external ear. Referred pain from the tooth can also give rise to toothache. Air travel and cold can also lead to ear pain. The cause should be found and treated. Consult a doctor. Analgesic should be taken. Wax can be dissolved with soda glycerin eardrops and removed. Cold should be treated.

Toothache

It is due to tooth decay. Take pain relief tablets. Use local clove oil application. Get the carried tooth extracted or cemented.

Cold and cough

It is usually due to the viral infections or pharyngitis. Antihistamines are useful. Take hot beverages and avoid cold foods. Nasal drops of saline can also be relieving. Steam inhalations may help. Asthmatic patients should take their inhalers of bronchodilators and steroids.

Abdominal pain

It could be due to worms, loose motions and dysentery. Gas and constipation can also lead to pain. Find the cause and treat it. Reassure the patient. Make him/her comfortable. Hot water bags may give some relief and remove the gas. Anti-spasmodic drugs can be taken.

Loose motions

Loose motions It is due to infection of the intestine. Give the victim plenty of oral fluids. Buttermilk, rice gruel, porridge, curds are nutritious and also decrease the loose motions and aid in water absorption. Spicy foods should be avoided. Maintain hygiene. Wash hands well.

Vomiting

Vomiting It is due to food poisoning or gastritis. Give sips of water. Treat the cause. Gelusil or other antacids may be given. Domperidone prevents further vomiting.

Constipation

ConstipationIt is due to faulty diet. Certain drugs can also cause it. The cause should be treated. Give lots of oral water, bananas, tomatoes and fruits. Green and leafy vegetables should be taken in sufficient quantity in the diet. The acute symptoms can be controlled with isabgol, dulcolax or liquid paraffin.