Accident & Emergency

Trapped wind, indigestion, overeating, or a viral or bacterial infection can all cause temporary abdominal pain, commonly known as a stomach ache. More rarely, this pain indicates a more serious condition, such as appendicitis, an ulcer, gallstones or kidney stones. In these cases, the pain is more likely to be sudden and may get very severe.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your pain is sudden or severe and lasts more than an hour, or comes and goes for more than 24 hours
• you can’t stop vomiting, or there is blood in your vomit
• you pass bloody or black stools
• you have diarrhoea
• you cannot eat or drink for hours
• you have a fever higher than 39ºC

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

• Take frequent sips of water to stay hydrated unless you suspect you have appendicitis.
• Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these can worsen the pain.
• Place a hot water bottle or warm compress on your abdomen. Be careful not to scald yourself.
• For severe pain, you may take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol. Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs unless otherwise advised by a doctor.

There are hundreds of viruses that can cause the common cold. These viruses infect the nose and throat, affect your nasal passage, and cause a blocked or runny nose. Additional symptoms may include sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat and a cough.

Meanwhile, influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by different viruses than a cold, and can be more serious. Typically, people with the flu have a fever, headaches, body aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and nausea.

If you have a cold or the flu, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your GP refers you
• you also have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or kidney disease

Small cuts and scratches that damage the surface of the skin can happen to anyone. Depending on the severity of the damage, they may bleed, turn red or leave scars. If you cut yourself, rinse the cut under clean running water and clean the wound using an antiseptic solution if available. Clear all foreign material from the wound before gently patting the area dry with a clean swab and applying a plaster or bandage to keep it clean.

A bruise is another common skin injury that discolours the skin. When you bump into something, small blood vessels burst and collect under the surface of the skin, forming a reddish mark that turns dark blue or purple after a few hours. After a few days, the bruise may turn yellowish before disappearing completely.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• the cut is deep and the bleeding won’t stop
• you develop an infection, ie. a fever, as well as swelling, pain, or pus in the wound
• you have been hit on the head
• you feel dizzy, nauseous or faint

When your body temperature exceeds 37.4°C, you have a fever. This may be an underlying sign of something else, such as an infection or illness, or caused by overheating or dehydration. The fever may be accompanied by a headache, loss of appetite, body aches, shivering, sweating or weakness and hot, flushed face.

For mild fevers, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are struggling to breathe (especially in children)
• you experience severe chest pain
• you have a severe headache
• you are coughing up blood
• you had a seizure or fits, coupled with fever
• you are pregnant
• you have recently been to Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East
• you just had surgery or a medical procedure
• you get an infection often
• you are on chemotherapy and your oral temperature goes above 38ºC for more than 1 hour
• you are taking steroids and medicines used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant
• you have diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anaemia
• you have a fever coupled with 1 or more of the following:
• Rash
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache or neck pain
• Seizure or confusion
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
• Severe pain in the belly, back, or sides

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

• Dress in comfortable, lightweight clothing.
• Apply cold compresses to your neck, armpits or forehead.
• Drink water or suck on ice chips to replenish fluids lost through sweat. For young children, an electrolyte solution is recommended.
• Adults may take fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Children should be given the correct dosage of paracetamol based on their age and weight.
  
  (Note: Do not give aspirin to children, teenagers, or ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age.)

Headaches are a common condition. If you experience a headache occasionally, it is usually not a major cause for concern. It may be the result of stress, lack of sleep, hunger, the flu, sinus problems, dehydration or allergies. When you have a headache, rest until the pain disappears and take pain medication recommended by your GP or pharmacist.

If your pain is sudden or severe, or the result of a head injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are slurring your speech
• your limbs feel weak or numb
• you have a stiff neck
• you have a seizure
• your headache feels like a thunderclap, or the worst you’ve had in your life

The sudden appearance of an itchy, red rash may be caused by hives. Hives can appear on one area of the body or spread across a larger area. Typically, an outbreak will last for a few hours, but occasionally, it will last longer, sometimes even for several months.

There is not always an obvious reason for an outbreak of hives, but it may be caused by stress, an insect bite or an allergic reaction.

If you have hives, try to refrain from itching them, as this can further inflame the area and lead to infection. Instead, keep the skin cool, apply an ice pack and wear loose and light clothes to avoid further irritation.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your eyes, lips, tongue or throat are swollen
• you are struggling to breathe or swallow
• you experience stomach pain or diarrhoea

An insect bite will often cause a swollen, red mark on the skin, which can be itchy. Insect bites tend to clear up on their own after a few days and therefore don’t usually require medical attention. Instead, apply an ice pack to bring down swelling and try to avoid scratching the area, as this can cause an infection.

More rarely, a bite or sting triggers a serious allergic reaction. In these cases, seek immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you have been stung 3 or more times, or in the mouth area
• other parts of your body feel itchy, such as your face
• you are struggling to breathe
• you feel nauseous, are vomiting or have diarrhoea
• your heart is beating very fast
• you feel giddy, agitated or confused
• your skin has gone very pale

Burns and scalds are some of the most common household injuries. Steam, hot liquids and chemicals can all scald the skin, while fire and hot metal can cause burns. Both may require urgent medical attention if they are severe or spread over a large area.

Burns are classified as first-degree, second-degree or third-degree. First-degree burns typically appear red, while second-degree burns tend to cause the skin to blister. Third-degree burns are more serious and cause the skin to appear white or leathery. Always seek immediate medical treatment for second and third-degree burns.

In the event of a mild burn or scald, remove all clothing and jewellery near the burnt area, unless it is stuck to the wound. Pour cool water over the area for at least 10 minutes (do not use ice or iced water).

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your burn spans an area bigger than your hand
• you have been burnt in the nose, mouth, throat, eyes, ears or genital area
• you have been burnt by chemicals, electricity or lightning
• your skin is white, leathery or charred

When your stomach is uncomfortable and you feel like vomiting, this is known as nausea. It is an unpleasant sensation that may be caused by any number of common ailments, including viral infections, food allergies, motion sickness, pregnancy or even just overeating.

If you feel nauseous, take small sips of water and attempt to eat a small portion of light, plain food to relieve some of the discomfort. If you do end up vomiting, stay hydrated and avoid eating until you can hold food down.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you also have a severe stomach, chest, belly pains, or headache
• you also have a fever higher than 38ºC
• you are vomiting after a head injury
• you throw up blood or substance that looks like coffee grounds
• you have a bowel movement with blood, or a bowel movement that is black like tar
• you have a severe headache or stiff neck
• you feel very tired or have trouble getting up
• you are severely dehydrated, eg. you feel very thirsty, giddy or have a dry mouth. Signs of dehydration include:
• Feeling very tired
• Being very thirsty, or having a dry mouth or tongue
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Urine that is dark yellow, or not needing to urinate for more than 5 hours

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

• Bring a disposable vomit bag with you.
• Rest either sitting up or propped in a lying position with your head elevated.
• Do not force yourself to eat.
• Take small sips of water slowly and avoid any caffeinated or carbonated drinks. If you can keep fluids down, try an oral rehydration solution to replace electrolytes lost through vomiting.
• Avoid fatty and oily food.

Nosebleeds are very common, and they occur when the fragile blood vessels in the nose burst. Dry air is a common cause, but other causes include an allergic reaction, injury to the nose, frequent nose blowing or sneezing, and picking the nose.

Nosebleeds may have a light or heavy flow involving one or both nostrils, and can last for seconds or sometimes minutes. If you experience a nosebleed, sit down and learn forward, pinching your nose just above the nostrils until the bleeding stops.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your nosebleed is caused by an injury, such as being punched or hit by an object
• your nosebleed won’t stop after 20 minutes

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin layer of tissue covering the front of the eye. Symptoms may include a red, itchy and painful eye, as well as sticky eyelashes and the sensation of having something in your eye.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by anything from a bacteria or virus to smoke, pollen, dust or other allergic reaction. As it is highly contagious, do not share towels, pillows or makeup with anyone, and wash your hands often with soap and water.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your vision is affected, eg. your eyes are blurry or sensitive to light
• your eyes have encountered chemicals

Stretching or tearing your muscles or tendons is known as a strain, while stretching or tearing ligaments is known as a sprain. The former is a common injury in the leg and back, while the latter occurs most often in the knees, ankles and wrists.

Injuring your muscles, tendons or ligaments can result in pain, swelling, bruising, soreness and restricted movement. This type of strain or sprain usually occurs when you are moving.

Treat the area using PRICE therapy:

• Protect
• Rest
• Ice
• Compress with an elastic bandage
• Elevate above heart level when you can

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your injury causes your limb / joint to look deformed
• you are experiencing severe pain
• your GP refers you

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

• Try not to rest any weight on your injured area.
• Continue to ice the injured area with an ice pack wrapped in a wet towel. Apply for around 15 – 20 minutes each time. Repeat every 2 – 3 hours.
• Avoid exercise, heat packs, alcohol and massages, which can exacerbate swelling.
• If you experience severe pain, you may take a painkiller such as paracetamol.

UTIs are very common, especially in women, and are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. While they typically don’t last longer than 24 or 48 hours, symptoms may be painful and can include a burning sensation when passing urine, stomach pain, blood in the urine, and the urge to urinate more frequently than normal.

To flush out the bacteria, drink plenty of water and visit the bathroom when you feel the urge to go.

More rarely, a UTI causes a more serious kidney infection that requires immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you have a severe pain or tenderness in your back or side
• you have a severe fever
• you feel nauseous or are vomiting

Wheezing, a tight chest, coughing and shortness of breath are all common symptoms of asthma. The condition is commonly triggered by exercise, pollens, moulds, air pollutants like the haze, pet allergies, dust mites, smoking and infections, such as coughs and colds, although this varies from person to person.

In the event of an asthma attack, staying calm will help to regulate your breathing. Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your symptoms get worse
• you don’t have your inhaler with you or you have not been prescribed one
• you don’t feel any better after using your inhaler or your prescribed medication

An excess of uric acid in the blood may cause gout, which is a form of arthritis. While uric acid naturally forms in the body, eating too much red meat, organ meat or seafood, or abusing alcohol regularly may cause a build-up that leads to the condition.

Typically, gout causes painful swelling in the big toe, ankles, heels or knees. More rarely, it causes swelling in other joints in the body. Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers can help to ease the pain, while eating plenty of fresh vegetables, drinking lots of water, and reducing alcohol, red meat and seafood consumption can also reduce the risk of an acute gout attack in the future.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are experiencing severe pain
• you are having a high fever
• your GP refers you

Transmitted by mosquito bites, dengue fever is a common virus that causes a fever (typically lasting more than 2 days), a rash, a headache, body and joint pain, and stomach pain. To best prevent the spread of dengue fever, use mosquito protection in high-risk areas.

More rarely, complications of dengue fever can do permanent damage to your blood vessels or organs. These complications are more common in individuals with conditions that compromise their immune systems, or who have had dengue fever before. If you have been bitten by a mosquito and experience these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you feel extremely unwell
• you feel worse in the 24 hours after the fever goes down
• you develop bleeding symptoms (eg. bleeding gums, menstruation, spontaneous bruising)
• your GP refers you

When you feel like the room around you is spinning, this sensation is known as vertigo. Occasionally, this is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or a ringing in the ears. There are various causes, but labyrinthitis (an inner ear infection) is one of the most common, as it affects the nerves in the ear that your body uses for balance.

More rarely, vertigo is a sign of a serious neurological condition such as a stroke.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are finding it difficult to speak or swallow
• your face is drooping
• your arms and legs feel numb or weak
• you have difficulty maintaining balance
• you have recently sustained a neck injury

The appendix is a small tube of tissue located inside the large intestine. Its purpose is unknown, and we can live without it. If this tube becomes blocked and subsequently inflamed, it is known as appendicitis. This is considered a medical emergency, and immediate surgery is usually required to remove the appendix.

Left untreated, the appendix may burst and leak fluid into the intestine, which spreads the infection and can be fatal.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you have a dull or sharp pain in your stomach or right-hand side of the abdomen
• you have no appetite
• you feel nauseous or are vomiting
• you have a fever

The gall bladder is a small organ under the liver that produces bile, a digestive fluid our intestine uses to break down fatty foods. Gallstones are small lumps of material that form inside the gallbladder, creating blockages. Symptoms can include pain in your belly or back, ranging from mild to severe, as well as nausea and vomiting.

Gallstones are often caused by a build-up of too much cholesterol. Occasionally, chronic conditions such as liver disease or sickle cell anaemia are the cause. Your risk of developing them is much higher if you are obese, have diabetes, have a family history of gallstones, take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, or are pregnant.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are in persistent pain (lasting longer than 2 hours)
• you have a fever
• your skin is itchy or jaundiced (whites of eyes and skin appear yellow)
• your heart rate increases significantly
• you are confused or agitated

Kidney stones are small pebble-like lumps of salt or minerals that form in urine. They can stay inside the kidney or pass through the rest of the urinary tract (the tube connecting your kidneys to your bladder, your bladder itself, and then out of the body). The most common cause is not drinking enough water.

Kidney stones may not cause pain when they are inside the kidneys, but they can cause sudden, severe pain as they travel through the urinary tract.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you experience sudden or severe pain in your side, belly or groin
• there is blood in your urine
• you are nauseous or vomiting