barba@bc.edu
For Your Information: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding Your Health
I have a stuffy nose and sore throat, what should
I do?
Most colds are caused by a germ called a virus. Antibiotics
do not help viral infections. If you have only had your symptoms a day
or two and do not have a fever, most treatment is aimed at relieving the
symptoms. For a stuffed up nose you may take a nasal decongestant and/
or antihistamine as directed on the package. For coughs that are not associated
with shortness of breath or pain, you may take a cough medicine as directed
on the package. It is important to read all package information before
taking any medication and make sure that you are not allergic to any of
the contents of the medication. You should drink plenty of non-alcoholic
fluids. Keep warm and rest. If you have a low grade temperature (<101)
than you could take a non-aspirin pain reliever (i.e.-tylenol) as directed
on the package. DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE. Again, be
sure that you are not allergic to the medication.
- You should be seen in the clinic if:
- you are getting worse not better over the next 2-3-days
- you have fever >102 for more than 24 hours
- you have a severe headache, neck pain or stiffness
- difficulty breathing or pain with breathing
- anything else that causes you worry or concern
I think that I have sprained my ankle, what should
I do?
The only way to tell if you have fractured a bone is
to have an x-ray done. If you do not feel that there is a high probability
that you have done that than it is suggested that you care for your injured
ankle like a fracture until it has been evaluated in the clinic.
- Wrap the affected ankle in an ace bandage to compress
the area of swelling and provide minimal support.
- apply ice over the ace bandage or wrapped in a cloth
if you did not apply an ace bandage - avoid injury to skin by not applying
ice directly to skin.
- elevate the affected ankle with pillows - rule of thumb
is above the level of your heart when you are lying down - this decreases
the swelling.
- stay off the affected ankle - no weight bearing. Crutches
are available at the clinic
- appointment should be made to have ankle evaluated in
the clinic within 24 hours
- If you are unable to move the ankle at all or have marked
swelling or severe pain it should be evaluated immediately.
I have a rash and I do not know what it is from,
what should I do?
Rashes can be caused from a variety of reasons. They
can be from localized infections, skin irritations, allergic reactions,
viral infections, etc. the list goes on and on. It is difficult to make
any guess without actually looking at the rash so it is best that you make
an appointment to be seen. By applying any type of topical cream, ointment
etc. you may change the appearance of the rashso it it best to inquire
at the clinic before using anything. If you feel you have developed hives,
or have had a rash that has already been evaluated, -hot showers are not
good - the heat dilates the blood vessels near the surface of your skin
and make the rash worse.Tepid or even cool showers for the itchy rash are
best.
I have been urinating frequently and it hurts when
I pass my water, what should I do?
Urinary frequency, burning and urgency are all symptoms
of a urinary tract infection. These can occur in both male and female,
but more commonly among women. Most urinary tract infections are the result
of a bacterial infection which would require an antibiotic to treat. Therefore
you should be seen in the clinic as soon as possible. Your urine will be
tested and if positive for bacteria you will be started on an antibiotic
right away. Prompt treatment of urinary tract infections is necessary to
prevent complications such as a kidney infection. These symptoms can also
be indicative of another infection in the absence of a urinary tract infection
(i.e. yeast infection, STD's).
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