Every day millions of Australians swallow pain killers. Are they all safe, effective, necessary, and addictive? Yes to most. Pain, as many do not understand, is the body's way of clearly saying "Hey, something is wrong inside. Help! Diagnose and fix." It is more than just a "nuisance". So, never neglect this symptom. Reduce it by all means, but the intrinsic cause must be found and managed.
HEADACHE, MUSCLES
Otherwise, the symptom will continue relentlessly. Cause stress, worry, mental and physical misery. Commonest are headaches, followed by musculo-skeletal pain (that means muscles and joints.). Then, reaction to germs, usually respiratory ones. In childhood infectious diseases may head the list. The sooner the cause is diagnosed, and treated, the sooner the pain will cease. However, let's look at pain in general.
PARACETAMOL
Today, paracetamol is the intervention option. Adult dose is 2 x 500 mg tablets 2-3 times a day depending on pain duration. The less the better. Best take "as needed". The long acting paracetamol (such as "Panadol-osteo") is stronger, absorbed slowly, and lasts longer. Usually 2 tablets morning and night are suitable for chronic pain, such as arthritis and recurring muscular pain and headache. (Consult label for children’s does). Do not exceed these
doses, for liver damage is possible with overdose, symptoms not occurring for 2 weeks or more after ingestion.
ASPIRIN NO GO
Aspirin, the historical pain killer and fever reducer for the past 120 years is out of favour. It is a stomach irritant, can cause stomach bleeding and is off the radar, specially for youngsters under 5 years where it may cause a rare but dangerous condition called Reyes syndrome. The arthritis NSAIDS medication kills pain. But it has established side effects (bleeding, heart attacks), and apart from the earlier ibuprofen and naprosyn is largely off the radar. Do not hassle your doctor for prescription.
STRONGER STUFF
Many other stronger drugs are available. Codeine is often added but is a narcotic, and constipates. Patches and injections for serious pain are available but seek the cause and fix that instead first.
ASPIRIN
Q:
We are often told not to take aspirin as it irritates the stomach and may cause haemorrhage, but my dad has been told to take one each day for his blood and heart.
A:
80-100 mg of aspirin is taken by millions of seniors world wide every day to marginally thin the blood and prevent clot formation which could lead to heart attack (called an "infarct"). It reduces the stickiness of platelets, the cause of clotting. Some take a tablet three times a week. Take after food and stop if nausea or indigestion occurs and see the GP. This small dose is usually safe, and is preferable to more expensive, stronger medication, although this may still be necessary in some with a high clot risk. Do not smoke. This is still the biggest single heart attack risk.
A mild scratch on my leg has developed into a large red region with streaks travelling to the groin, which is tender and swollen.
A:
This is almost certainly erysipelas. The horrible streptococcus germ has invaded the skin via the break, and is now rapidly multiplying. Red streaks and groin swelling mean it has reached the lymph glands, the last bunker before hitting the body in general. Once a serious life endangering infection, antibiotics quickly make it vanish but it has resurrected itself, and is again a serious condition. Prompt medical intervention and management are essential. Many require prolonged antibiotics often intravenously. Seek immediate medical assistance with any leg infection.
Is it wise to wear UV protective lipstick when outdoors?
A:
The answer is "Yes". UV rays are harsh, cause burning and may lead to skin cancer. Ideally, protecting exposed skin, specially face, ears, and backs of the hands in particular when exposed are essential. Many find SPF30 "milk" easy to apply and non gluggy. But creams, sticks and ointments are all satisfactory. Wearing protective head gear is also wise.
Is it too late to have the H1N1 flu shot? Is it really necessary?
A:
"Swine Flue" or Influenza, a H1N1 viral infection, sent the world into meltdown last year. But fortunately it never developed into a major death dealing pandemic as many had expected. Thousands were given the H1N1 viral injection, many declined. Some doctors believe the "risks" from injection outweighed the value. It is never too late for vaccination, but discuss first with your GP. I elected not to have it.
My son gets sore ears, and occasionally there is a nasty discharge.
A:
This is one of the commonest childhood infections. Prompt medical intervention is necessary. Many mild "infections" clear up with the body's natural immune system. Often paracetamol syrup is given to reduce fever and discomfort. But antibiotics are often used. Recurring bouts may lead to "glue ear", where gluggy stuff fills the middle ear, and can lead to premature deafness as if neglected. Avoiding chemically treated swimming pools, "chills", getting colds and sore throats, getting good nutrition also reduces risks.
This health advice is general in nature. You are advised to seek medical attention from your doctor or health care provider for your own specific symptoms and circumstances.
Coughs, colds, aches and pains, feeling off colour, painful joints, sweaty and miserable? Whatever your symptom, or illness, Dr James Wright may help you, and answer your questions.
Simply log onto docwright.com.au type in your symptom in the space on the left hand column, click topic and up it comes. Simple easy-to-follow information Dr Wright has written over the past several years. Then click contact us if you have a special message.
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Dr James Wright is associated with lovely Vimiera Retirement Village (vimieravillage.com.au) in the leafy Sydney NSW suburb of Eastwood. It is operated by Mediaid Centre Foundation (mediaid.org.au), a non-profit Public Benevolent Institution which provides housing for the elderly, as well as providing a large amount of health information.
