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Medical Care Information for UTSA Students
Health Information
Ailments and common treatments
Allergies - "Hay fever"SymptomsAn allergy is a physical disorder caused by hypersensitivity to substances that are eaten, inhaled, or brought into contact with the skin. In an allergic reaction, the cells of the immune system release irritant chemicals called histamines, which cause substances to trigger allergic Rhinitis:
TreatmentTheoretically, the best treatment is to avoid exposure to the allergy causing source. This is rarely possible, except in the case of allergy to food or drugs. At this time, the present treatment for allergies is antihistamines that reduce or counteract allergic reactions. To be fully effective, antihistamines must be taken regularly, often for several days at a time. Common side effects from antihistamines may be drowsiness and dryness in the nose and throat. Newer drugs obtainable by prescription from your physician do not cause drowsiness and may be considered for chronic allergy problems. For quick relief from a stuffy nose, you may use nose drops or nasal sprays. However, these should not be used over a prolonged period of time because they may have a "rebound" reaction. Follow package directions carefully. Relief may also be obtained with steam inhalation. This may be achieved by taking a hot steamy shower. Another method is to lean over a pan or sink full of steaming hot water with a towel draped over your head to create a steam tent. There are several preparations available in drug stores that contain menthol or a similar substance that, when dissolved in hot water and breathed into the nose, help to loosen mucus. The mucus can then be cleared by blowing the nose thoroughly. When blowing the nose, clear the nostrils one at a time, keeping the other one closed by pressing on the side of the nose. One common error is to press both nostrils almost closed as you blow. This prevents clearing the nose completely. Blowing the nose too hard, preventing air from escaping through the nose, causes the air to travel along the Eustachian tube to the middle ears, possibly damaging or rupturing the ear drums and or causing spread of infection to the ears.
Seasonal AllergiesSymptomsCongestion, itching, runny nose, tearing eyes, sneezing.
Self-TreatmentAntihistamines relieve symptoms (Some of these medications may cause drowsiness). Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or wheezing develops. ColdSymptomsRunny nose, sneezing, fever, tired, headache, sore or dry throat, sore nose, muscle aches, hoarseness, pain in chest.
Self-TreatmentRest. Aspirin or Tylenol for aches, fever, and headaches. Decongestants with fluids. Seek medical treatment if you have hard coughing spells, a fever of 101°F or more, chest pain, thick sputum, or severe headaches. Viral infections are not treated with antibiotics. CoughSymptomsIrritation in respiratory tract, tickling in throat, tightness in chest.
Self-TreatmentCough expectorant to clear secretions. Increase fluid intake to 2-3 quarts a day. Use a cough suppressant only at night. See a physician if symptoms persist. DiarrheaSymptomsSudden onset of frequent bowel movements (more than once an hour) of watery consistency. (Abnormal cramps, sometimes fever and vomiting).
Self-TreatmentClear liquids for 24 hrs., non-caffeine soft drinks, water, tea, apple juice, cranberry juice, soup, broth or bouillon, Jell-O, plain popsicles, Gatorade. As bowel movements slow to one every 8 hours, start on bland foods like saltine crackers, toast, Jell-O, or soup. Avoid milk and milk products. Avoid greasy and spicy foods. Avoid caffeine EaracheSymptomsPain in ear, hearing loss, fever, ear feels full, drainage from ear, chills.
Self-TreatmentKeep ear clean, dry and protected. See physician. Antibiotics and decongestants may be prescribed. Decongestant or antihistamine may relieve pain. Blow nose gently. No "Q-tips" in ear.
FeverSymptomsHot, sweaty, or chilled feeling. Temperature above normal (98.6° F)
Self-TreatmentUse Aspirin, Tylenol, or Motrin as directed. Increase fluids. Seek medical care if fever is 101° F or higher or persistent. FluSymptomsFever, chills, cough, headache, runny nose, muscle aches, tiredness.
Self-TreatmentSame as cold- See physician within first 24 hours of symptoms.
HeadachesSymptoms
Self-TreatmentTension- Relax and/or take Aspirin or Tylenol. Take a warm bath or shower. Migraine- Seek medical care. Take prescribed medication as directed. Hunger- Low blood sugar- eat something nutritious. For example: peanut butter and crackers, nuts, cheese and fruit, or tuna salad. Hangover- Rest. Aspirin or Tylenol. Caffeine may help. Eye strain- Rest eyes. Aspirin or Tylenol. Place a cool cloth over eyes. HeartburnSymptomsBurning pain below breast bone or ribs. Difficulty swallowing. Belching.
Self-TreatmentDo relaxation exercises to relieve stress. May get relief from antacids like Maalox® or Mylanta®. Seek medical care if: symptoms persist, if vomiting black or bloody materials, if passing black stools, or if pain goes through to the back. Insect StingsSymptomsPain, redness, or swelling at site. Difficulty breathing, swelling of mouth or throat, itching or burning, especially around chest or face.
Self-TreatmentApply cold compresses as soon as possible. Take Tylenol for pain. Use antihistamines for itching, if symptoms other than localized swelling and pain occur. Try to keep victim relaxed and quiet to reduce venom circulation. Obtain medical care, call 9-1-1. Menstrual CrampsSymptomsLow abdominal pain, low back pain, leg pain.
Self-TreatmentApply heat pad to abdomen, take hot baths, or curl up in bed with the knees to the chin, and relax for a short period of time. Daily physical exercise may prevent cramps. Take Ibuprofen for pain. Minor CutsSymptomsLaceration present, bleeding.
Self-TreatmentApply pressure to control bleeding. Wash with mild soap and water. Dry carefully. Apply Band-Aid or sterile dressing. If bleeding is spurting, seek medical help immediately. Nausea/ VomitingSymptomsNausea and vomiting may be caused by many different factors: Viral or bacterial, food poisoning, drug reaction, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, pregnancy, physical disorders, or psychological disorders. The possibility of dehydration is a prime concern in most cases of vomiting. In order to prevent dehydration, it is necessary to replace fluids lost by vomiting. Signs Of Dehydration
Self-TreatmentIn order to help relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting and to prevent dehydration, begin by rinsing the mouth out with cold water. Then try sucking on small ice chips or hard candy a little at a time. As vomiting settles down, sips of water or other clear beverages may be taken. If you choose a carbonated beverage, such as ginger ale or 7-UP, "defizz" it first by letting it sit for a while with ice in it. Usually cold or hot beverages, rather than luke warm, are more easily tolerated. When liquids are tolerated, saltine crackers, fruit or vegetable juices, and light soups may be added to the diet. Several small meals per day are usually easier to digest and better tolerated than large meals. Progress slowly with the diet until all foods are tolerated. Fried foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fats should be the last items added to the diet. Consult Your Physician, if:
Sore ThroatSymptomsPainful throat, dryness of throat, hoarseness, fever/chills, difficulty with swallowing, no appetite, headaches, muscle aches, enlarged lymph node glands in neck.
Self-Treatment
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