Children
In this section we will try to give some simple advice to help you cope with common illnesses. We cannot cover all situations and, if in doubt, contact a Doctor. Remember the surgery emergency number is answered 24 hours a day.
Fever
It is very important that you should try to get a childs temperature down, but not too fast. Take the clothes off, then after 15 minutes open a window to get the room cool. A cool drink may help, and give childrens paracetamol medicine (be careful to get the dose right for the childs age). You might even need to sponge the child down with tepid water. If you cannot get the temperature down after an hour, especially if the child is ill, seek a Doctors advice. Often the trip in the car down to the surgery helps, since the child is distracted and gets cooler.
Diarrhoea Or Vomiting
Children can become ill quickly with diarrhoea. Stop all food, especially milk, for at least 24 hours, or until the diarrhoea has settled. Give frequent small drinks of cool boiled water. Keep the child cool, a temperature will make them vomit more. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours you may need to see a Doctor. Make sure the child is passing urine; if not, see a Doctor.
Earache
This can be distressing for the child and the parent, but it is not usually dangerous. Keep the child cool, give paracetamol and often something warm against the ear will help.
Colds And Coughs
Keep the child cool, try to keep the nose clear. Karvol capsules,Vic and other preparations will help. A simple honey and lemon drink will soothe and again help keep the nose clear. Sometimes you just have to accept that the child will be blocked up and distressed for a day or so. If the child has a cough and is also short of breath or seems to be bringing up phlegm, let the Doctor listen to the chest. We are always happy to examine a childs chest. Very often we do not suggest antibiotics, this is not to save money, or because we dont think the child is "bad enough" but because the vast majority of coughs and colds are viral. Antibiotics do not help, and may even make things worse.
Rashes
A healthy child with a rash is not at risk. Do feel free to come down to the surgery, and perhaps sit in the Sisters room, if you are worried. Do feel able to ask for advice about a child you are worried about. The Surgery Nurses are always happy to advise. We will always see a child at short notice if you are worried. Remember we will see any child in the 10.30am Childrens Clinic.
