The Glebeland Surgery

Dispensary

Common ailments

OTITIS MEDIA (Middle ear infection)
Current advice is that antibiotics are not required for most of these infections. Regular use of antibiotics results in the bacteria building up a resistance and may not work as well when a patient is ill.

OUR ADVICE IS:
Take paracetamol and ibuprofen (if tolerated) regularly at doses appropriate for your age. This will help with the pain and control any temperature.

Drink plenty of fluids.

YOU WILL NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR:
If you have been unwell for more than 72 hours and there is no improvement.

If you are not sure contact the surgery for advice.
SORE THROATS
Most sore throats are caused by a virus, will only last for a few days and will not be helped by antibiotics. Your body will fight off these viruses.

OUR ADVICE IS:
Take paracetamol and ibuprofen (if tolerated) regularly at doses appropriate for your age. This will help with the pain and control any temperature.

Drink plenty of fluids.

In adults, soluble aspirin gargled may be helpful.

YOU WILL NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR:
If one tonsil is painful and enlarged.

If you have difficulty swallowing and opening your mouth.

If you have a rash.

If you have been unwell for more than 5 days.

If you are not sure contact the surgery for advice.
CONJUNCTIVITIS
This is when the white of the eyes becomes pink or red but the vision should not be affected. There may also be some discharge. Most infections are self limiting and will clear in a couple of days.

OUR ADVICE IS:
Bathe the eye with moist cotton wool or tissue, using seperate pieces for each eye and discard after use. Wash hands afterwards and regularly throughout the day.

To stop the spread do not share towels or make-up.

Do not wear contact lenses during infection

Children do not routinely need to be kept away from Nursery or School. Click here to find more information.

Antibiotic drops may be purchased from a Chemist for use in adults.

YOU WILL NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR:
If the patient is less than 28 days old.

If you could have contacted a sexually transmitted disease.

If you are in pain.

If there is a visual disturbance.

If things have not cleared up after 2 – 3 days.

If you are not sure contact the surgery for advice.

Date published: 5th November, 2014
Date last updated: 14th September, 2021