First Aid, Accidents & Injuries

Home emergencies – how to handle a fever

September 22nd, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

It’s 3am and your 2 year old, who has been restless all night, wakes up howling. Her skin feels as though it’s burning up, so you grab your thermometer, and her temperature is 39 degrees. What do you do?

Why do we get fevers?

What most of us forget, especially at 3am, is that fever is an important part of our body’s defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 37 °C, so by cranking up the internal thermostat, your body is making it difficult for germs to get comfortable.

Many infants and children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. Although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for the patient, not against them.

When to lower a fever

Take steps to lower a fever if your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, distressed or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever.

Here’s what to do:

1. Firstly, remove excess clothing or blankets. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or cool. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket.
2. Then, a lukewarm facecloth on bare skin works well to bring down a raging temp, just make sure it is warmish and NOT cold. Besides, no-one really enjoys having a cold cloth put on them, and it can make the situation worse by causing shivering, which in turn raises core body temperature.
3. Finally, in children older than 3 months you can give an over the counter pain killer like Panado syrup, but stick to the recommended dosage.

Call your doctor if your child:

Is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 °C or higher
Is under age 2 and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 hours
Is older than 2 and has a fever for longer than 48 hours
Has a fever over 40.5 °C
Has been having fevers come and go for a week or more, even if they aren’t high.

Kyle Boshoff for HelloDoctor.com

Your first-aid kit for the beach

November 20th, 2019 by Content Editor

Unfortunately, sunscreen alone won’t protect you from injuries when you’re at the beach. Packing a first-aid kit for possible mishaps will ensure you can enjoy your day, worry-free!

Here’s how to prevent and treat common beach injuries:

Jellyfish stings

Jellyfish don’t go after people, but if you happen to come into contact with one while swimming, you’re highly likely to be stung. Unfortunately, you can even get stung by dead jellyfish laying on the beach. The good news is that in most cases, other than a red mark, itchiness, numbness or tingling, a jellyfish sting isn’t fatal.

Here’s what to do:

First-aid tips:

Don’t pull tentacles off unless you have gloves as they can still sting you. Use a flat surface to scrape off any tentacles (e.g. your driver’s license or bank card).
Don’t urinate on the sting – it could cause stingers to release more venom.
Rinse the sting with seawater first and then vinegar. Vinegar is often used to treat stings because the acidity in it helps neutralise the venom. Lastly, soak in warm water.

Injuries from running in the sand

It’s hard to imagine that fluffy sand could do serious damage, but the slopes of a beach could. The surface of the beach often alternates from extremely hard to soft.

The most common injuries from running in the sand include ankle sprains or knee sprains. Avoid injuries by sticking to waking on “flat sand” and avoid running on the beach unless you’re wearing supportive shoes.

First-aid tips:

Keep cold packs in a cooler box in case of any injuries.
If you sprain your ankles or a knee, wrap (or ask someone to) your ankle or knee with a bandage and apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling. It should be applied for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
Elevate your injured limb.
Get home to rest as soon as possible.

Skin cuts

Cuts on your feet from broken shells, glass and even grains of sand are common if you’re at the beach. The easiest way to avoid this is to wear shoes or flip flops at all times.

First-aid tips:

Always keep a clean bottle of water with you to clean any cuts.
Use plasters and bandages to cover any cuts.
For deep cuts, see your doctor as you may need stitches.

Sand flea bites

Sadly, frolicking at the beach could mean sand flea bites. Sand fleas are most likely to strike at early morning or evenings near the water. Sand flea bites are often more painful and itchy than mosquito bites and could cause a rash or a fever.

First-aid tips:

Don’t scratch sand flea bites to prevent an infection.
Pack calamine lotion, ice or aloe vera gel to soothe minor bites.
Pain killers can help with pain but see your doctor for a severe reaction like a fever or severe allergic reaction

Sunburns

Though preventable, sunburn can be common. Prevent this by avoiding sun exposure, especially between noon and 3pm when the sun is extremely harsh.

First-aid tips:

Always keep sunscreen in your beach bag. Apply a minimum of 50 SPF sunscreen generously before you go outdoors, reapply throughout the day and especially after swimming. Don’t forget your ears and the back of your neck.
If you have sunburn, get out of the sun immediately, drink lots of water and soothe your skin with a non-greasy moisturiser. Massage it in gently.
For severe burns that include blistering and a fever, see your doctor immediately.
For children younger than one years old, any sunburns should be treated by a doctor.

References:

5 home remedies for mosquito bites

October 6th, 2019 by Content Editor

Mosquito bites are common, especially in summer, and can cause inflammation and itching.

Besides the annoying itch mosquitos provide, they can carry parasites and some pathogens, like malaria, filariasis, and viruses. In most cases, people may have allergic reactions to the bites.

Typically, a bite brings a red, swollen bump which is accompanied by an itch that can develop within hours and lasts a few days. A mosquito bite can also cause blistering-type lesions, hives, fever and swelling in the joints.

Your immune system reacts by releasing histamine, which creates a small, itchy bump. So the bump is not caused by the bite, but by your body’s allergic reaction to substances that the mosquito bite leaves behind.

Avoiding mosquito bites altogether is the best approach, but if you can’t. Keep these home remedies for bug bites that itch and swell, handy.

1. Tea tree essential oil

This oil has antiseptic properties that can help treat a variety of skin-related symptoms, including mosquito bites. Dab a little essential oil onto a cotton swab and rub it on the affected area. Lavender and peppermint oils also work well. Some people may be sensitive to essential oils applied directly to the skin; if that’s the case for you, try diluting the oil.

2. Baking soda paste

Add a few drops of water to some baking soda, mix it into a paste, apply it directly onto bug bites, and allow it to dry. The result will be a reduction in inflammation around the bite, which helps relieve soreness as well as itching. The alkalinity of baking soda can help neutralise the pH of an infected area and reduce itching. Just mix a tablespoon of baking soda with only enough water to create a paste.

3. Ice cubes

The easiest way to stop itching could be to hold an ice cube on the bite. It’s been found that since the brain can only process one sensation at a time, the itching will stop as you will feel the intense cold. Cold therapy numbs nerves that trigger itching and pain so that you don’t feel either one. The cold temperature helps limit the inflammatory substances to the site of the bite, which lessens swelling and ultimately provides immediate relief. Hold a bag of frozen veggies, ice wrapped in a cloth, or an ice pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes.

4. Honey

When it comes to soothing itchy bites, honey is a great go-to reliever. It’s a natural popular pick as it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Place a drop on a mosquito bite for almost instant relief. Apply as often as needed until the itching and swelling subsides.

5. Lemons

Packed with naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anaesthetic properties, the citrus fruit makes for a useful natural remedy for mosquito bites. Cut a lemon in half and rub the inside over the bite for instant relief. Applying the juice can also help lessen the chance of an infection. However, don’t use lemons as a preventative measure before going outdoors. This would be ineffective and applying citrus juices to the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight can result in blistering.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if bites last longer than a week or show signs of infection. In extreme cases, mosquito bites and other insect stings can lead to an anaphylactic shock.

If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, immediate medical attention will be needed:

Breathing problems.
Hives or swelling
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Dizziness.

References:

Have you torn your Achilles tendon?

June 16th, 2019 by Content Editor

Tendons are strong tissues that connect your muscles to your bones – and to each other. Also known as your Achilles heel, your Achilles tendon is one of the most important tendons in your body.

Your Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg, connecting your calf muscle to your heel. It’s used when you walk, run or jump. Because it’s used so often, it’s more prone to injury; a torn Achilles tendon is one of the most common leg injuries. And if you’ve torn yours, you’ll be off the courts and out of action for some time as it heals.

What causes Achilles tendon ruptures?  

Tendon ruptures tend to happen when you up your activity levels – like going from playing soccer once a week, to maybe five times a week. The added stress on your Achilles tendon can cause it to rupture. Certain sports and other activities that place great stress on your ankles and calves can also cause a tear.

Other causes of a tear include:

Playing ball on hard surfaces.
Running further than usual.
Running uphill more than usual.
Stop-start sports.
Wearing shoes with poor shock absorption.
Wearing shoes that have worn down unevenly.
A weak tendon.

Also, if you’re not careful on those weekend binges, you may give yourself a beer injury. Falling or stepping into holes after you’ve had too much to drink, can end up in a rupture.

Have you torn your Achilles tendon? 

Your doctor will be able to diagnose if you’ve torn your tendon, but these symptoms may also indicate the rupture:

Pain, or feeling like you’ve being kicked in the calf.
A snapping or popping sound.
Not being able to walk properly, jump, or walk on your toes.
Swelling around your heels or ankles.
Being unable to put your weight on your affected leg.

Diagnosing a ruptured tendon 

Your doctor will ask you what you were doing when you felt the pop or other symptoms. He will look at your leg muscles and move them around to see if this causes your foot to move. If it doesn’t, you probably have a torn tendon. He may also be able to feel a “gap” in the area if your tendon is completely torn.

Treating a torn Achilles tendon 

Treating a torn tendon involves rest, so skip any exercise that involves your legs for about four weeks. You will probably be in a cast as well.

You may also need:

A cast or braces that allows you to walk without placing weight on your leg.
Slow exercises to gradually strengthen your leg.

If you’re an athlete, your doctor may also recommend surgery.

Preventing a tear 

There are some things you can’t change to prevent a tear; like your age, sex or activity level. Warming up properly, and strengthening both your upper and lower legs can help to prevent tears. .

A ruptured tendon might cramp your style, but if you do what your doctor says, things can probably be back to normal in about four to six months. So, just tough it out. It’s for your own good.

References:

When should you call a doctor about a nosebleed?

May 3rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Having blood drip from your nose can be terrifying! Epistaxis, commonly known as a nosebleed, is when blood flows from one or both nostrils. The flow can be heavy or light and last anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes or more.

Nosebleeds aren’t usually a sign of anything serious and can often be treated at home. There are some times though when you may need to see your doctor.

According to information from the University of California, roughly 60% of people have a nosebleed at some point, and it’s more common amongst children.

Nosebleeds are categorised based on where they originate; either anterior (originating from the front of the nose) or posterior (from the back of the nose).

Anterior nosebleeds are the most common and usually easy to control. The bleeding comes from a blood vessel on the nasal septum, which is where a network of blood vessels all join together.

Posterior nosebleeds are less common. They tend to happen more often in elderly people. The bleeding starts from an artery in the back part of the nose. These nosebleeds are complicated and usually need an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist).

Most nosebleeds don’t have an easily identifiable cause. Trauma to the nose is a very common cause of nosebleeds, as is a blow to the face, or trauma to the inside of the nose from nose picking. Other causes include:

Nasal and sinus infections.
An object stuck in the nose.
Forceful nose blowing.
Nasal surgery.
Deviated or perforated nasal septum.
Changes in humidity or temperature which make the inside of the nose dry and cracked.
Cocaine use.

In unusual cases, an underlying disease or certain medications may cause a nosebleed or even make it more difficult to control.

Stop a nosebleed

Stay calm.
Sit up straight and lean slightly forward.
Lean your head forward (don’t tilt your head back, you may swallow the blood).
Pinch your nostrils together and apply direct pressure with the thumb and index finger for 10 minutes.
Spit out any blood in the mouth. Swallowing blood may cause vomiting.

Once the bleeding has stopped, try to prevent any further irritation to the nose, (like sneezing, nose blowing, or straining) for 24 hours.

Dry air, like a heated home, can contribute to the problem. Add moisture to the air with a humidifier or vaporiser.

You can also place a pot filled with water near a heat source, like a heater or radiator, to allow the water to evaporate and add moisture to the air.

Nasal saline sprays or other lubricating ointments or gels are always useful for tissue healing and keeping the nasal passages moist.

Go to the hospital if:

You’re still bleeding after pinching the nose for 10 to 20 minutes.
You have repeated episodes of nosebleeds over a short time, or lose a large amount of blood.
You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
You have a rapid heartbeat or trouble breathing.
You’re vomiting blood.
You have a rash or temperature.

References:

How to remove a tick the safe way

May 3rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Ticks belong to a group of animals called arachnids because they’re closely related to spiders. They look a lot like spiders and have eight legs.

Ticks have oval bodies that swell when they feed on the blood of all kinds of animals, including humans.

With just a bite, ticks can bring on allergic reactions or pass on diseases to humans and pets. These can be dangerous or even deadly.

Ticks are mostly found outdoors. They make their homes in wooded areas with lots of shrubs, in grass, weeds and bushes. They settle down in overgrown patches in your yard. If you’re outside hiking or playing, you may pick up a tick. It can attach itself to your pet, too. Ticks may stay attached to your pet, or they can jump on to you when you touch or hold your pet.

A tick bite

Because some ticks are relatively small, there’s a good chance you won’t notice one on you. They burrow their little head into your skin and release blood-thinning, skin-numbing saliva.

If you’re bitten by a tick, a small red bump may appear in a few days, usually at the site of the bite. This bump may feel warm and tender when touched.

Tick bite fever

If you’re allergic to tick bites, you may feel:

A burning sensation at the site of the bite.
Pain or swelling at the bite site.
A rash.
Blisters
Difficulty breathing, if severe.

Ticks spread diseases by passing on bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Most of these illnesses give you typical flu-like symptoms, like chills, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the world.

Symptoms of tick-borne diseases include:

A full body rash
A red spot or rash near the bite site
Neck stiffness
Headache
Nausea
Weakness
Swollen lymph nodes

How to remove a tick

If you’re bitten, you’ll have to remove the tick as soon as possible. Don’t use petroleum jelly or a hot match to kill and remove a tick. These methods don’t get the tick off the skin, and they can make it burrow even deeper. Follow these steps instead:

Use tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at its head or mouth, next to the skin.
Pull firmly until the tick lets go of the skin. Avoid twisting it or rocking it from side to side. If a part of the tick stays in the skin, don’t stress, it will eventually come out on its own.
Release the tick into a small plastic bag or jar.
Wash your hands and the site of the bite with soap and water.
Swab the bite site with alcohol.

At this point, it may be best to see a doctor to find out if any treatment is necessary based on the type of tick; and to find out about the risk and complications to look out for.

References

Burnt yourself? Here’s what NOT to do

March 7th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

You spilled hot oil all over your leg, or had a nasty run-in with a kettle of boiling water.

First, grade the burn:

A first-degree burn is the mildest form, and the skin may appear red with slight swelling. It may look like a sunburn.
Usually painful, a second-degree burn damages the top layer of the skin resulting in swelling and blisters.
A third-degree burn is the most serious type. The skin is seriously injured, is white and clearly charred.

**What not to do**

First, never rub butter on a burn! This is an old wives’ tale, something you may have even heard from your granny. Applying butter to a burn actually makes it hurt worse. Butter traps the heat inside the burn wound, prolonging the pain.
Don’t use ice on a burn: it can cause frostbite.
Never pop a blister. Burns often become blisters and it may be tempting to burst – don’t do it. This may cause an infection.
If you expose your burn wound to the sun too soon, it can cause blistering. Some experts recommend shielding the burn from the sun for at least three years after the injury. If you have to go outdoors, cover up the burn.
Don’t be a hero – get to the doctor if the burn is deep and painful. Waiting can make it worse.

**What you can do**

Only first-degree burns should be treated at home. Run cool (NOT COLD) water over the area for a few minutes to help lower the temperature. Submerge the burnt area in cool running water for at least 10-30 minutes, until the pain subsides. Cool, or even very lukewarm water reduces the heat and prevents further tissue damage. Don’t use cold water: it may feel better, but it will prevent blood-flow to the burn, and can make the damage worse.

When the pain subsides a bit, apply an aloe vera gel or antibiotic ointment over the area and cover with a damp gauze or clean cloth. Try to change this dressing twice a day.

Make sure to remove clothing and jewellery from the burnt area as swelling could make it difficult to remove later. Don’t try to remove clothing that sticks to the skin.

If a secondary burn is on an arm or leg, keep the limb elevated above the heart.

Take paracetamol for pain.

See a doctor immediately if:

Your burn is on the face, genitals, joints, hands or if it’s an electrical burn.
If it looks severe and larger and covers a proportion of the body.
The burn is oozing, tender and swollen.
You or the person who’s been burned stops breathing, or finds it difficult to breathe.

References:

https://www.advancedtissue.com/6-mistakes-to-avoid-with-burn-wounds/

5 common gym injuries and how to prevent them

February 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Before you hit the gym or lace up your sneakers for a run, be prepared. These activites may seem harmless enough, but if you’re not thoughtful, you could end up with some nasty injuries!

Ankle sprain

You may think that an ankle sprain is only possible when running outdoors, but jogging on a treadmill could also lead to an injury. It’s easy to hurt your ankle on the treadmill because you might lose focus while jogging and could accidentally step half on and half off the moving machine. Don’t jump off the treadmill too quickly either! You could roll your ankle into an unnatural position.

To prevent treadmill ankle injuries, attach a clip from your clothes to the machine, which will stop the machine if you do fall. If you plan on running outdoors, stick to even or paved grounds, and if you want to start trail-running: start S-L-O-W, so you get used to the uneven terrain first.

Shin splints

Commonly known as a shin splint, pain and muscle inflammation along the inner edge of your shinbone usually develops if you exercise often. The risk is increased if you work out on uneven ground, on hills or have recently increased the intensity of your workout.

Prevent shin splints by wearing shoes designed for working out, slowly increasing your workout intensity by no more than 10% a week and warming up before running or jogging.

Lower-back strains

A sudden, sharp ache or shock in your lower back? It could be a sign that you’ve overworked your back while exercising. Deadlifts or squats could lead to lower back injuries so it’s important to do them with the correct form. Twisting motions and side bends could also lead to lower back injuries.
If you’re a beginner doing squats or deadlifts, first learn how to maintain a neutral back. To find your neutral spine, lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Your spine should touch the floor under your neck and lower back, allowing the natural curves of your back to absorb the shock. If you’re a beginner, get your form correct first by asking a qualified trainer for advice before adding weights.

Biceps tendonitis

Overuse can happen after repetitive motions during exercises like weightlifting, swimming, tennis and even golf. This causes biceps tendinitis. It’s the inflammation of the tendon that’s attached to your upper bicep muscle to the bones of your shoulder. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or have weakness in your upper arm, you may have this injury. Try cross-training to prevent repetitive overhead movements, keep your posture correct while exercising and rest enough between workouts.

Pectoral injury

A pectoral injury can easily happen if you lose control of a dumbbell or barbell during a heavy bench press. Too much weight can lead to a tear in your pectoral muscle (large muscle in your upper chest). See your doctor immediately if you feel a tearing sensation along with blue or black upper arm bruising, as you might need surgery. Prevent this kind of injury by controlling the amount of weight you’re lifting. You could also ask someone to spot for you (support you during an exercise like weightlifting) so you don’t lose control of the weights while you lift.

References:

The bite that is more dangerous than a dog bite

January 8th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Well, its not Zombies… but pretty close! It’s actually the human bite. It may seem relatively harmless to get bitten by your 2-year old niece, but you could in fact, end up with severe infections.

When a human bites you, there’s a higher risk of infection than with a dog bite. Strange, but true. Consider that the bacteria transferred by a human bite contains up to 100 million organisms per millilitre! No surprise then that human bites are dangerous.

Human bite wounds

A bite could range from mild to moderate, to severe. Bites from children are often not very deep or damaging, and are therefore unlikely to become infected. Adult bites, on the other hand, are more serious as it’s more forceful than a child’s bite and more damaging to underlying tissue. Studies show that up to 15% of human bites can end up infecting the person who was bitten.

For example, a clenched fist hitting another person in the mouth and teeth can cut the skin over the knuckles.

A bite like this would damage underlying tissue and an infection could develop. Some serious infections that have been caused by human bites include:

Hepatitis B (a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus)
Hepatitis C
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Syphilis (a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact that starts as a painless sore)
Tuberculosis (a serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lung, but can affect other areas.)

Treating a human bite wound

Apply firm, direct pressure until the bleeding stops. This could take up to 10 minutes.
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap.
Wrap the wound with a clean, sterile, non-stick bandage.
Go to your doctor immediately.
Change your bandage a few times a day and watch for signs of infection.

Dog bite wounds

Dog bites occur more frequently than any other animal bite and most injuries are usually a result of the dog being teased or bothered while eating or sleeping. As children are more likely to taunt a dog, they’re usually the victims of a dog bite. Depending on whether a dog has been vaccinated or not, and the severity of the wound, a dog bite could also lead to infection. If a dog-bite wound is deep and you can’t stop the bleeding, you need to get to the doctor as soon as possible.

Treating a dog bite wound

Stop bleeding by applying pressure with a clean, dry cloth.
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap.
Wrap the wound with a clean, sterile, non-stick bandage.
Go to your doctor immediately.
Change your bandage a few times a day and watch for signs of infection.

Good to know

Bites near your face, feet, or hands are usually more serious.
A weakened immune system increases the risk of infections from a human bite.
Signs of an infection for both a dog and human bite include swelling around the wound, pain or tenderness, fever, chills and discharge like pus.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, determine the risk for rabies and the need for treatment to prevent the disease. You may need a tetanus injection. If you haven’t had one in the last 10 years, it’s recommended that you have one.

References:

Save a life this summer with these first aid tips

November 9th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

The holidays make for fun times, but all that merriment, alcohol and lowered inhibitions can lead to scary situations. This may not give you a qualification as a paramedic, but these tips can help you be a little more prepared for an emergency.

If someone’s having a convulsion

Lay the person on the ground, away from dangerous objects.
Don’t try to restrain them.
Loosen their clothing if necessary.
Never place anything in their mouth!
When it’s over, keep them on their side with their head down to allow easy breathing and prevent choking.

If someone’s having an asthma attack

An attack usually happens in episodes, during which the airways to the lungs narrow, making it hard to breathe. Help the person find and take his medication quickly. Talk to him in a calm, reassuring manner, and encourage him to rest and sit quietly until help arrives.

Get help immediately if:

Someone’s struggling to breathe or is unusually short of breath.
The person’s medication doesn’t bring relief.
The person has difficulty walking or talking.
His fingernails and lips turn bluish-gray.

If someone’s in shock

Shock is when blood pressure drops suddenly and drastically. This could lead to tissue damage and even death.

Early symptoms of shock may include confusion, restlessness and anxiety.
Call an ambulance immediately if you suspect someone is going into shock.
Elevate the person’s legs if they have no spinal injury, keep them warm and calm, and don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
Check the ABCs: airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR. If there’s any external bleeding, do your best to stop it.

If someone’s been poisoned

Call emergency services if the person shows signs of poisoning or is unconscious. Provide information about the poisoning: the poison that was taken, the amount, how it entered the body, and when it was taken. Give the person’s age and approximate size or weight.
Perform CPR if the person is unconscious and not breathing, but first check for poisonous material around the mouth. Wash the area around the person’s mouth and if necessary, use a barrier device.
Keep a sample of what the person has taken, even if it’s an empty container.
Don’t try to make the person vomit. This could cause more damage.

If someone has a head injury

If he hasn’t lost consciousness and is alert, apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes. Wrap the pack in a cloth to prevent damage to the skin from extreme cold.
Watch the person carefully for the next 24 hours. If he shows signs of internal head injury, call your doctor immediately.
You need immediate medical attention if the person is unconscious, has an obvious wound, is bleeding, has speech or vision disturbances and struggles to breathe.
If he’s unconscious or there’s any paralysis, don’t move him at all.
If he vomits, roll him onto his side to prevent choking.
If he has a seizure, roll him onto his side and make sure the tongue has fallen forward in the mouth to keep the airway clear.
If there’s swelling to the head, apply an ice pack.
Don’t remove any object stuck in the wound.

References:

When do you have to go to hospital?

June 19th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Is that cough going to kill you, or can you wait a night? What do you do with a soaring temperature? No one wants to head out to hospital – especially in the cold. But, in some situations, staying home could be the most dangerous decision.

Yes, you need a doctor if…

…you become numb for no reason

A burning sensation and loss of sensitivity to your limbs is a call for emergency.
A tingling sensation, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath and confusion could be symptoms of a stroke.
Get medical help if your arms or legs become numb, you have trouble speaking, experience weakness or paralysis, or numbness after a head injury.

…you vomit or cough up blood

This can become life-threatening. Usually, it’s due to a problem with the upper gut. The cause could be a tear in the lining of your stomach, oesophageal cancer, inflammation of the oesophagus because of acid reflux or stomach ulcers.
A nosebleed could cause this too, because you can swallow the blood and cough it back up. Get medical help soon!

…you experience chest pain or pressure

This sort of pain is often a looming heart attack that can extend to the neck, jawline and back.
If the pain is accompanied by nausea, a cold sweat and difficulty in breathing, you need immediate attention.
A heart attack pain is not necessarily located in the area of the heart, and can sometimes be tricky to diagnose without the right equipment.

…you have a seizure

Any seizure needs medical attention.
Further damage and injury can be caused by sudden and unpredictable movements or a fall.
Symptoms of seizures vary and it can happen to
- someone with epilepsy
- if you have a stroke
- children with a high fever

…you start choking

A significant cough and watery eyes because of food passing through the “wrong tube” could be just normal choking.
If you do choke to a point of experiencing a blockage in your airway, then it’s an emergency.
You are choking if you’re not able to speak or there is no sound coming out.

In this situation, though, it is best to try the Heimlich maneuver – as shown here by Dr. Michael Mol – while someone contacts emergency services. Waiting for an ambulance may be too late.

References

Knysna: Help for the Fire victims

June 9th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Our hearts go out to the victims of the raging fires in Knysna and Plett this week. We are devastated by the tragedy, but so grateful to see how community members gather to help each other out. If you or a family member are affected by the fires, here are what you need to know to support yourself, and those in need.
Don’t panic, and protect yourself
The first rule to follow in the event of a fire is: “Don’t panic”. Rescuers must behave rationally and avoid any heedless action. The first thing to do is to examine the situation, assess the gravity of the fire and opt for the appropriate behaviour. To help others one must first be able to protect oneself. If you’re assisting in the rescue, follow the advice of experienced rescuers. Don’t try to be an unprepared hero: you could just end up as another victim!

Use protective clothing:

Dust mask: even far away from the flames, you could still suffer from smoke inhalation, which could cause infections – protect yourself!
Helmet: protect against falling objects, and protect your hair from catching fire
Dark glasses, even ordinary sun-glasses, to protect the eyes from glare OR dust-goggles to protect from the smoke
Gloves
Welder’s apron: if you need to get close to the flames, you need clothing that won’t catch fire.

How to protect yourself:

Be alert: stay away from flames, fumes, toxic gases, falling objects and other hazards. It’s not just the flames that are dangerous!
Don’t walk over ground covered with easily flammable material (paper, sawdust, brushwood, etc.)
Stay away from any flammable liquid that might explode
Don’t walk across floors of lofts or stairs or ceilings
Don’t stand downwind from the flames

Emergency treatment of burned areas
On your way to emergency care, treat burn lesions as follows:

Do not burst any blisters, or remove the burnt skin: the outer layer protects the inner layer from infection.
Cool the burned parts with water or wet cloth.
Very intense burns need to be immersed in water at room temperature, or covered with a damp cloth. The cooling operation should not exceed 20 minutes. Let the patient’s condition and sense of pain relief guide you.
Stop cooling the patient if they begin to shiver.
Children and elderly persons and those in a state of shock must be treated with even greater care, with shorter cooling.
Use clean plastic bags, if available, to wrap burned hands and feet.
Don’t medicate burned parts with ointments or other drugs as these would only mask the picture.

Smoke inhalation
Anyone who has been exposed to smoke inhalation should check their ABC: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Visit your local emergency department if you have any worrying symptoms.

Signs to look out for:

Cough: The mucus can be clear or black.
Rapid breathing or Shortness of breath: The airways may be damaged, which leads to less oxygen getting into the blood. T
Hoarseness or noisy breathing: Some fluids can be collecting in the lung due to the smoke and injury.
Eyes: Red, irritated eyes is another sign of smoke inhalation and exposure to smoke in the eyes.
Skin color: Skin color may range from pale to bluish to cherry red.
Soot in the nose and throat .
Headache: The carbon monoxide from the fire can cause headache, nausea and vomiting.

General home care:

Protect yourself and children by staying indoors and keeping windows and doors closed to reduce the amount of smoke that comes into the house.
Wear dust-masks when going outdoors.
Do you have an air conditioner? Change the settings to recirculate the air already inside the house – this can reduce the smoke you breathe in.
Don’t forget to look after your eyes: when going outdoors, wear sunglasses or protective eye wear to minimise the amount of direct exposure to smoke that your eyes get.
Stay hydrated! Fluid helps to keep the mucus linings of the lungs moist which makes them works better. Water is always the healthiest option.

Emergency numbers:

Save these numbers on your phone, in case you need to contact emergency services. All calls are free.

Ambulance: 10177
Cell phone emergency : 112
Land-line national emergency: 10111