Post Consultation Advice for minor illness
Please see the information relevant to your condition as diagnosed by your clinician.
Allergic Reaction
To try regular antihistamine avoiding itching. Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed – any central swelling of the tongue , SOB, cyanosis, worsening rash, non-blanching rash or treatment failure to re-attend GP/WIC/ED. Pt happy and understands plan.
Asthma
We agree rest, fluids, diet as tolerates, simple analgesia for any discomfort like paracetamol. If symptoms persist see GP or call 111 or attend accident and emergency. Discussed use of inhalers, up to 10 puffs of ventolin via spacer device if very breathless repeated if necessary after 20 mins, if not effective seek urgent medical attention.
Back Pain
We agree rest, fluids and diet as tolerates, avoid heavy lifting, bending and sitting in any one position for any length of time. Change position regularly, stand and walk around, gentle exercise to stretch muscles. Optimise analgesia. Red flags discussed which include numbness in one or both legs, altered perianal sensation dribbling of urine of saddle numbness
Chest infection
We agree to treat with antibiotics, encouraged regular Paracetamol for fever, rest and plenty of fluids. Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed this includes SOB, chest pain, worsening green sputum
Child rash
Observe for meningitis symptoms, We agree plenty of fluids, diet as tolerates, optimise simple analgesia, ibuprofen if can tolerate and or paracetamol for any discomfort or fever, antihistamine for itching. If symptoms persist see own GP, may return or A/E if symptoms change or worsen ( non-blanching rash, drowsiness, dehydration, breathing difficulties, temp not resolving or convulsions) call 999
Diarrhoea
We agree plenty of fluids, keep well hydrated up to three litres of clear fluids per day. If hungry east a diet of boiled simple carbohydrates such as potatoes rice or pasta Optimise simple analgesia for discomfort, paracetamol. Avoid ibuprofen. Immodium if needs to go out. If symptoms persist longer than 7 days bring a stool sample to the GP . If symptoms change or worsen such as vomiting, blood, not tolerating fluids, systemically unwell seek further advice
Ear wax
Instil olive oil or similar into affected ear(s) regularly, to loosen wax, make an appointment with practice nurse for irrigation of ear in case wax not fallen out and to check ears. Optimise simple analgesia for any discomfort.
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Advised antibiotics of no benefit as not bacterial infection, We agree valsalve technique, steam. Simple analgesia for any discomfort, plenty of fluids. Discussed usual natural history of illness. If symptoms persist for more than 2/52 return to GP for further
Headache
Advised that tension headaches can usually be treated with ordinary painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular sleep, reducing stress and staying well hydrated, may also help. Red flags discussed with the agreement that the patient will seek help if they feel they are having memory problems, high temperature (fever), a stiff neck, a rash, jaw pain while chewing, vision problems, a sore scalp, or severe pain and redness in one of your eyes, or if headaches are waking you from sleep
Insect Bites
We agree rest, ice and elevation, fluids, optimise simple analgesia for any discomfort or fever, avoid scratching. Antihistamines for itching. Observe for spreading infection (discussed). If symptoms persist will need to be seen .
Neck Pain
We agree to regular paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain, try heat pack, keep mobile, if no better see GP for physiotherapy appointment . Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed, reduced ROM, any parathesia/ NVD to limbs, severe pain to attend ED.
Otitis Externa
We agree to treat with otomize, keep ear clean and dry worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed, severe pain, pt becomes unwell, uncontrolled fever, hearing loss – to re-attend GPP happy and understands plan.
Otitis Media
We agree to treat with antibiotics, advised to keep ears dry, not to put anything in ears – ie cotton buds paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain. Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed – Severe pain, persisting hearing loss, patient becomes unwell to attend – gp/wic/ed.
Paediatric chest infection
We agree to treat with antibiotics, encouraged regular paracetamol for fever, rest and plenty of fluids
Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed-respiratory distress/ increased work of breathing, uncontrolled fever, lethargy, parental concern, treatment failure or pt becomes unwell to re-attend GP/WIC/ED.
Tonsillitis
We agree plenty of fluids, diet as tolerates, optimise simple analgesia, ibuprofen if can tolerate and or paracetamol for any discomfort or fever. Discussed usual natural history of illness. If symptoms persist return to GP, if symptoms change or worsen before being able to see own GP attend accident and emergency, if unable to swallow own saliva – ED as a priority.
Urinary Tract Infection
We agree plenty of fluids, Optimise simple analgesia for any discomfort and or fever, avoid ibuprofen. Discussed usual natural history of illness. If symptoms persist see own GP, if symptoms not improving take urine sample to GP for MC&S in case of treatment failure.
Upper respiratory tract viral infection
We agree likely viral illness, discussed self-limiting nature of illness. Advised rest, plenty of fluids, regular paracetamol and ibuprofen, try steam inhalation. Worsening symptom and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed – chest pain, SOB, pt becomes systemically unwell, haemoptysis, symptoms persist to re-attend GP/WIC/ED.
Wound infection or cellulitis
We agree to treat with antibiotics, keep clean and dry Observe for any worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed – Severe pain, fever, ascending lymphangitis, patient becomes systemically unwell, treatment failure to re-attend GP/WIC/ED.
Constipation
Have good diet and plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed- Severe pain, constipation, pt becomes unwell, rectal bleeding to see GP/WIC/ED
Vertigo
Discussed taking the medication until the symptoms have gone then to take a reducing dose over the next three days, if the symptoms return to take the full dose again and start the reduction once symptoms have resolved. To return in 2 weeks if there is no change in symptoms or you faint become confused develop a severe headache fever or feel generally unwell
Chicken Pox
We agree to treat with paracetamol for any fevers, plenty of fluids, close monitoring, No ibuprofen. Self-limiting nature of chicken pox discussed and likely duration, contagious nature discussed. Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed if patient becomes unwell, cough, respiratory distress, uncontrolled fevers, non-blanching rash, parental concern to re-attend GP/WIC/A&E
Acid reflux
We agree to try PPI, avoiding any aggravating factors, monitor symptoms and review with GP Worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed- Chest pain, SOB, haemoptysis, vomiting, pt becomes unwell, treatment failure to re-attend WIC/ED/GP
Gastroenteritis
We agree to maintain hydration, hand hygiene. Use paracetamol for pain, advised on self-limiting nature and expected duration worsening symptoms and red flags discussed and when urgent review is needed- severe pain, dehydration, feels unwell, faint to attend ED.
