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GASTRO-ENTERITIS

GASTRO-ENTERITISWhat is it?Gastro-enteritis is an irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract.Symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal cramps and pains, sometimes fever and general weakness.Causes: Viral infection, bacterial infection, particularly from contaminated food, allergic reaction to certain foods such as shellfish, straw-berries, eggs and pork. Antibiotics, Drastic changes in diet, for example food eaten when visiting a foreign country.Treatment in the homeAdults: Anti-emetic and antidiarrhoeal medicines are available from your pharmacy. Take in recommended dosages. Increase fluid intake once vomiting has stopped. Drink plenty of flat coke, ginger ale or diluted apple

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GERMAN MEASLES

GERMAN MEASLESWhat is it?German measles is a mild contagious disease, characterized by low fever and a rash.Symptoms: There is an incubation period of between 14 and 21 days before the symptoms appear. Sometimes the glands behind the ears and in the neck are swollen. A flat pink rash starts on the first or second day. The rash starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. After two or three days the rash disappears. Infectious from seven days before the rash appears until four days after.Causes: A

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GLANDULAR FEVER

GLANDULAR FEVERWhat is it?Glandular fever is a viral infection that affects the glands in the neck, armpits and groins. Generally affects children and young adults.Symptoms: Fever, skin rash, sore throat, headache, Lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen painful glands in the neck, armpits and groins, enlarged spleen.Causes: Viral infectionTreatment in the home: Take paracetamol in recommended doses to relieve pain and discomfort. Rest is essential. Recovery is slow. It may take six to eight weeks before the patient is fully recovered.Possible complications: Secondary bacterial infection which could become seriousWhen to consult a

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GOUT

GOUT What is it?Gout is an acute form of arthritis and is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints causing intense pain and swelling.Symptoms: The joint most commonly affected is the base of the big toe. It can also occur in the knees, elbows, ankles and wrists. The acute attack of gout most often starts at night. The affected joint is red, swollen and extremely painful, mild fever; the first attack usually involves only one joint. A second attack may occur

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