Coughs & Colds
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause nasal stuffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough, which may be productive. Usually it's a self-limiting infection – this means it gets better by itself without the need for treatment. Additionally antibiotics have absolutely no effect on viral illnesses and this is why doctors are less likely to prescribe them for these type of symptoms.
On average, adults have two to five colds each year and school-age children can have up to eight colds a year. Adults who come into contact with children tend to get more colds. This is because children usually carry more of the virus, for longer. Babies in their first year of life tend to get 12-18 viral infections and then 6-12 per year between the ages of 2-5. Viral infections tend to last 2-3 weeks each time in children.
In the UK, you’re more likely to get a cold during the winter months although the reasons why aren’t fully understood at present.
Treatment of a cold
For most people, a cold will get better on its own within a week of the symptoms starting without any specific treatment. However, there are treatments that can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. These are available from your pharmacy, which means that you can treat yourself, rather than needing to see your GP.
There is no cure for colds. Antibiotics, which treat infections caused by bacteria, don't work on cold viruses.
Self-help
There are a number of self-help measures that may help to ease the symptoms of a cold.
- Drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Steam inhalations with menthol, salt water nasal sprays or drops may be helpful.
- Vapour rubs may help relieve symptoms for children.
- Hot drinks (particularly with lemon), hot soups and spicy foods can help to ease irritation and pain in your throat.
- Sucking sweets or lozenges which contain menthol or eucalyptus may sooth your throat.
- Gargling with salt water may help a sore throat.
You should try to make sure you get enough rest if you have a cold. It’s not usually necessary to stay off work or school.
Colds & Flu
A factsheet on the causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention of colds & the flu
NHS Choices - is it the common cold or the flu?
Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious. Find out
Factsheet - Common Cold
Information about the diagnosis, treatment and symptoms of the common cold
Tonsillitis
The signs to look out for for adults and children with a possible tonsillitis which may require antibiotic treatment are:
- History of fever (feeling hot, cold and shivery, sweaty episodes).
- Sore throat without cough.
- White spots on the back of the throat with enlarged tonsils.
- Tender enlarged glands in the neck.
If you have 3 or more of these symptoms it would be worth seeing a GP to discuss possible antibiotic treatment. This is not given to take the tonsillitis away (it actually only improves things for 1 in 18 people and shortens the illness by about 24 hours). Antibiotics in tonsillitis are given to reduce the chance of having a tonsillar abscess which can require further treatment.
Sinusitis
For sinusitis, which tends to present as a cold with added facial pains around the nose area, a nasal spray is usually the best initial treatment, since antibiotics are usually only used in sinusitis that fails to improve with nasal sprays.
A nasal spray can be easily obtained from most pharmacies under the minor ailments scheme without the need for a prescription from a doctor.
Nasal sprays should be used correctly to be most effective; they should be pointed backwards towards the ear, not upwards, for maximum effect, and the nose should be cleared of mucus before use.
Another useful treatment option for sinusitis or recurrent nasal congestion in both children and adults is sinus rinsing. Sinus rinse kits such as the Neilmed Kit are available online or over the counter and can provide good symptomatic relief. A video detailing how these work is available here:
Hay Fever
The symptoms of hay fever include itchy or irritated red eyes, runny nose, tickly throat and sometimes a cough.
The best initial treatments are antihistamines. A range of these are most easily available from the pharmacy without prescription or via the minor ailments scheme.
Nasal sprays and eye drops can also help and can also be obtained directly from the pharmacy without the need for a doctor's appointment.
Local honey (this must be produced in the local area) can also be of use in managing hay fever.
Should initial treatments fail please consult one of the doctors at the practice. This can usually be most quickly and easily achieved by organising a telephone appointment.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a mild irritation or inflammation surrounding the eye itself. It usually results in a gritty, red, itchy eye which may be watery and sometimes has some discharge.
The best immediate treatment is to bathe the eyes frequently in a very weak soap solution; this helps clear away any eyelid debris which can trap infections and can irritate the eye.
Put ONE DROP of baby shampoo or similar into a small glass and then fill this with boiling water. WAIT FOR THIS TO COOL TO ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE USING. Then, at least 3-4 times a day, use this and a cotton wool ball to swipe the affected eye(s) from the nose, towards the ear. This should improve things in a few days but if it is not helping then please do consult a nurse at the practice.
CHILDREN DO NOT REQUIRE SCHOOL OR NURSERY EXCLUSION FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS (unless they are otherwise unwell with a different illness at the same time).
Podiatry Self Referrals
You can self refer to podiatry via the booking line for simple foot problems such as ingrowing toenails and nail bed infections, as well as some foot problems like persistent foot pains and over-riding toes. They can be reached at 0141 347 8909 or by e-mailing AHP.appointments@ccg.scot.nhs.uk
Fungal Nail Infections
There are many causes for abnormal looking nails. If you suspect that you have a nail infection, the best course of action is to inform our reception staff. A doctor will then request a sample of nail clippings. The more nail sample that can be sent from the affected nails, the better.
If testing shows that you do have a fungal nail infection you can be treated with a course of tablets for 3-6 months. It is not necessary to see a GP regarding fungal nail infections.
Nail Fold Infections
Infections around the nail fold or cuticle (the part where the skin of your finger or toe overlaps the nail) do not usually respond to antibiotics very well. Soaking the affected finger or toe in warm soapy water and gently pulling back on the cuticle away from the nail in order to release the infection is the most effective way of treating these yourself. Should this fail after one week it may be worth consulting a doctor for review, even though the advice may not change.
Warts
Warts are caused by a virus that lives on the skin; as with all viral infections, it is not possible to treat these with antibiotics. Several over the counter methods of treatment are available. Aerosol sprays to freeze warts, and gels or salicylic acid treatments are all equally effective. Verrucas on the feet can be particularly resistant to treatment.
Over the counter treatments such as freeze sprays are just as effective if used as per the instructions as anything a GP can offer. We would encourage patients to visit the pharmacy regarding wart management.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome has had recent advances and there are apps that can help with specialised diets. One of the most useful of these is the FODMAP diet which can be accessed via an app - for example the Android FODMAP App and iOS FODMAP App. This can also often be managed using buscopan which is available over the counter via a pharmacy.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids or piles are enlarged veins around the back passage that can sometimes cause fresh red bleeding on wiping. They tend to be caused by increased pressure in the veins which is often caused by mild constipation further around the bowel. If you have a change to your bowel motions such as persistently looser motions then you need to see a doctor. Haemorrhoids can be treated over the counter by increasing your fluid intake, using mild laxatives such as lactulose or fybogel, and trying some haemorrhoid cream or suppositories. If this doesn't work it is still worth seeing a doctor as there are other things we can offer.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are caused mainly by friction in an area and are very common. The easiest way to deal with these is to wait until there is a "stalk" to them and tie 4-5 loops of sewing thread around the base. This cuts off the blood supply and if the thread is left on they will eventually painlessly drop off.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum are small 1-2mm round spots that have whiteish heads and dimples in the centre. They are very common in children and are caused by a virus which infects the skin. Antibiotics unfortunately do not help since this is a viral infection. They last for 2-3 years on average and are spread by scratching and contact. The best management is to leave them alone since treatments such as freezing them do carry a risk of scarring.
Constipation
Mild constipation can often be treated with dietary measures (increased green vegetables and fruits etc.) but if this is not working then it is worth visiting the pharmacy initially for some laxatives such as lactulose. This can be done without the need to consult a doctor or triage nurse.