This is the most wonderful time of the year, but also the worst time for illness and injury. Not only does it disrupt celebrations that have been planned for weeks or even months, but because GPs are closed and NHS services are overwhelmed, it is becoming harder to get medical help when needed.
The problem is that winter viruses, increased alcohol consumption, icy sidewalks, excessive kitchen work, visiting the attic and moving heavy boxes, suitcases and bags make the holidays a risky time for our health. It’s no surprise that this is one of the busiest times of the year for the out-of-hours NHS 111 number.
Here, family doctors tell you what the most common health problems are, how to deal with them and when to seek medical help…
suffocation
Whether it’s small children and small toy parts or adults and leftover food: choking is a major health hazard at Christmas.
“If someone is swallowing incorrectly, it is more reassuring if the person can talk, cry or cough because that means the blockage is partial and they should clear it by coughing and spitting,” says the doctor. Daisy Lund. , NHS doctor and co-host of the health podcast In a Nutshell.
“If that doesn’t work, a few hard blows with the back of your hand between your shoulder blades may help.”
In a more serious case, when food completely blocks the airway, the person cannot speak or cough and action must be taken quickly, initially with blows to the back.
“Stand behind the person and slightly to the side,” says the doctor. Lund. “Support your chest with one hand. Tilt the person forward so that the object blocking the airway comes out of the mouth rather than moving further down. Strike the person up to five hard blows between the shoulder blades with the back of your hand.
If this does not help, you should move on to abdominal thrusts. “Wrap your arms around her waist from behind, bend her forward and make a fist just above her navel. Hold your fist with your other hand, pull it firmly inward and upward,” the doctor advises. Lund. “Repeat this up to five times, stopping earlier if the blockage is gone.
“If it persists, repeat up to three cycles of back slaps and chest thrusts and make sure someone calls 999 for help. Even if the disability is now resolved, they will likely need to be monitored for such a life-threatening event.”
Food poisoning
When it comes to cooking Christmas dinner, a lot can go wrong, like undercooked turkey or cross-contamination of vegetables. “Food poisoning can happen if we eat undercooked meat or food contaminated with germs,” says Dr. Anita Raja is an NHS GP based in Birmingham.
“Signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and sometimes a temperature above 38°C.”
This can be treated at home. “The main thing is to rest,” she says. “Take paracetamol, continue to rehydrate with water and pumpkin, and symptoms should be brought under control quickly.”
Heartburn and indigestion
Last year, NHS Digital analysis found that heartburn and acid reflux were the second most popular health condition over the festive period (after Covid-19). The website page was visited 13,200 times over Christmas and Boxing Day – one visit every 13 seconds.
“The triggers for reflux and indigestion are large meals, fatty foods and alcohol. So it’s not surprising that symptoms may get worse around Christmas, says Dr. Lund.
“Symptoms may be mild – belching, bloating, sour taste in the throat, cough that gets worse when lying down; to more severe ones – burning pain in the stomach and behind the sternum, nausea and even vomiting.”
This is best treated with an antacid such as Gaviscon. “You can try elevating the head of the bed with a few books to let gravity aid digestion,” she says.
However, the best way to deal with digestive problems is through preventive measures. “Reducing high-fat foods, such as meat and cheese, and increasing fiber-rich foods can significantly reduce symptoms,” says Dr. Lund.
“Other lifestyle measures include eating less and eating more frequently earlier in the day, and stopping or reducing anything that worsens symptoms, especially alcohol, smoking, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, black coffee and very fatty or spicy foods. food.”
Slips and falls
Whether it’s due to icy or slippery sidewalks, wearing high heels, or older generations moving more than usual, falls and falls are not uncommon at Christmas. But when is medical attention required?
“As long as you feel like your arms and legs are functioning well after the fall, and you don’t experience any weakness or tingling radiating down one arm or leg, you can probably wait and watch the pain get worse as the fall progresses. reduce Time is at least reduced. the next 48 hours,” says the doctor. Lund. “If you break a bone in a fall, the pain is immediate and intense. You’ll have to go to the emergency room for that.”
If you hit your head, get a bruise, or have a mild concussion, “you can usually treat it at home with acetaminophen and apply an ice pack to the affected area,” she says. “However, if you lose consciousness, are vomiting after an injury, have confusion or memory problems, or have a worsening or worsening headache, you should go to the emergency room.”
Back injuries
Carrying cases of drinks, transporting Christmas gifts or even carrying a suitcase in the trunk of a car can aggravate your back condition. “Back strains are quite common and are best prevented by maintaining good posture,” says Dr. Rajah. .
“If you get hurt, it’s always a good idea to keep moving your back and take paracetamol for the pain.”
There are several warning signs to look out for if you suffer from back pain. “If you have lost bowel or bladder control, or if you have numbness in your buttocks and loss of sensation in your perineal area, go to the emergency room. [department] or call 999.”
Flu, colds and Covid
Covid cases doubled in December, with around one in 24 people now infected and many catching a cold or flu just in time for Christmas.
“Due to the cold and wet winter, cold, flu and Covid season is upon us,” says Dr. Rajah. This can usually be treated at home by getting enough rest, taking painkillers and drinking plenty of water.
“Be sure to sneeze and cough into a tissue, which you then throw in the trash, and avoid coughing and spitting in eating areas or on people,” the doctor adds. Raja added. “And sanitize your hands after washing them with soap and water.”
If you are coughing up blood, having trouble breathing, or experiencing sudden chest pain, seek emergency medical attention.
Injuries caused by chef’s knives
Almost half (49 per cent) of those preparing Christmas dinner have been involved in an accident, according to the National Accident Helpline.
“Downsizing is common this time of year as we may be spending more time in the kitchen than usual when cooking for family and friends,” says Dr. Lund.
They can usually be treated at home. “To treat a cut, stop the bleeding by applying pressure for up to ten minutes, clean the wound, and cover it with a bandage or bandage to prevent infection,” she says. “If it is painful, taking painkillers such as paracetamol may help.”
However, sometimes you need to talk to your doctor. “Medical attention is needed if the bleeding cannot be stopped, the wound is very large or deep, or there is something stuck in the wound, such as glass.”
Burns
We’ve all been burned in the kitchen at one time or another, and pressure cooking doesn’t help. “Minor burns can be treated at home by cooling the burn under warm running water for 20 minutes,” says Dr. Lund.
“Cover the burn with plastic wrap and seek medical attention if the burn is larger than the victim’s arm size, there are deep burns causing white or charred skin, chemical or electrical burns, or if there are signs of shock such as cold, clammy skin, sweating, shallow breathing , weakness or dizziness.”
Allergic reaction
Perhaps it’s a pet you didn’t know you had, or a rash that developed after trying a new hand cream someone kindly provided you with. “If your lip or tongue is swollen, wheezing or you’re having difficulty breathing, don’t waste any time calling 999,” says Dr. Rajah.
Alcohol poisoning
Many people drink more alcohol than usual during the holidays—and we all know that drinking too much can have negative consequences. But how much is too much?
“Alcohol poisoning can occur when your body can’t process alcohol as quickly as you drink it, which is often caused by binge drinking,” says Dr. Lund. “Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech and incoordination, vomiting or contamination, pale or bluish skin, irregular breathing, seizures or loss of consciousness.
“If you think someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, always seek medical advice and call 999 if you notice a seizure or loss of consciousness.”
If it’s not alcohol poisoning, but rather overdoing it, doctor. Land with good moisture. “Coconut water is a good option because it’s hydrating and contains vitamins and minerals that help regulate your body’s hydration.”
What should you do if you need medical attention this Christmas?
The NHS 111 emergency number is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk to find the best contact for your symptoms. For life-threatening illnesses and emergencies, call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.