Common ailments
These are things people experience regularly and can usually be treated at home. We have listed the ailments that people contact Shropdoc about the most and added some links to advice pages.
If you still think you need to call Shropdoc then please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Remember for prescriptions, dental problems and mental health questions, please look at the other links on our website or call 111
Do you think you might have a urinary infection?
- a need to pee more often than usual
- pain or discomfort when peeing
- sudden urges to pee
- feeling as though you're unable to empty your bladder fully
- pain low down in your tummy
- urine that's cloudy, foul-smelling or contains blood
- feeling generally unwell, achy and tired
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
Abdominal pain can be caused by many different things, the commonest being trapped wind, indigestion and constipation. Knowing when to contact your Doctor or seek medical advice can be worrying.
If you experience the following then please contact your Doctor
- the pain gets much worse in a short space of time
- the pain won't go away or keeps returning
- you have unexpected weight loss
- you have unusual vaginal discharge
- you bleed from your bottom
- you have a persistent change in toilet habits
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever. It can be extremely worrying if your child has a high temperature. However, it's very common and often clears up by itself without treatment.
Contact your GP or health visitor urgently if your child:
- is under three months old and has a temperature of 38C (101F) or above
- is between three and six months old and has a temperature of 39C (102F) or above
- You should also see your GP if your child has other signs of being unwell, such as persistent vomiting, refusal to feed, floppiness or drowsiness.
If it isn't possible to contact your GP, call Shropdoc or NHS 111.
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you'll usually begin to feel better within about a week.
If you're otherwise fit and healthy, there's usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms.
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
Diarrhoea and vomiting is common in young children. Also known as a stomach or tummy bug, it's usually caused by an infection.
Most babies and toddlers who have diarrhoea and vomiting don't need treatment and you can safely look after them at home.
When to get medical advice
- Vomiting usually lasts for 1-2 days, while diarrhoea lasts for about 5-7 days. If your child's symptoms last longer than this, or if they are showing signs of dehydration, speak to your GP Get medical advice urgently if your baby or toddler:
- seems to be deteriorating rather than getting better
- has a temperature of over 38C (100.4F) for a baby less than three months old, or over 39C (102.2F) for a baby aged three to six months old. (Over six months a child's temperature isn't the most useful indicator of how seriously ill they are.)
- has blood or mucus in their poo
- has bile-stained (green) vomit
- has severe abdominal pain
- dehydration, speak to your GP to get Get medical advice
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
They're usually caused by viruses, but can be caused by bacteria.
RTIs are thought to be one of the main reasons why people visit their GP or pharmacist. The common cold is the most widespread RTI.
Most RTIs pass without the need for treatment and you won't usually need to see your GP. You can treat your symptoms at home by taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, drinking plenty of fluids and resting.
In most cases, antibiotics aren't recommended because they're only effective if the infection is caused by bacteria.
The symptoms of an upper RTI usually pass within one to two weeks.
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week.
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
There are many types of rashes or skin infections. The NHS skin conditions tool may help you identify what it is. Click Here
Common Skin Conditions can be found here.
If you are worried and cannot get to your own Doctor Shropdoc do offer a "Rash Selfie" service if it’s thought to be urgent.
Childhood rashes are common and aren't usually a cause for concern. Most rashes are harmless and disappear without the need for treatment.
However, see your GP if your child has a rash and seems unwell, or if you're worried. They'll be able to investigate the cause and recommend any necessary treatment.
Always see a GP for a proper diagnosis if you are worried or have any cause for concern.
Click Here to visit NHS Choices find our more about symptoms and treatments.
There may be other questions that can be answered by visiting the NHS Choices self-help pages here
