Medical and health

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an
allergy.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis usually develops suddenly and gets worse very quickly.
The symptoms include:

• feeling  lightheaded or faint
• breathing difficulties  – such as fast, shallow breathing
•  wheezing
•  a fast heartbeat
•  clammy skin
• confusion  and anxiety
• collapsing or losing consciousness

There may also be other  allergy symptoms , including an itchy, raised rash  (hives) ; feeling or
being sick; swelling  (angioedema)  or  stomach pain .
What to do if someone has anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.
If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should:
1. Give prescribed medicine or injection.
2. Remove any trigger if possible .
3. Lie the person down flat .
If you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, you can follow these steps yourself if you feel able to.

Triggers of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the result of the immune system, the body’s natural defence system, overreacting
to a trigger.
This is often something you’re allergic to, but not always.
Common anaphylaxis triggers include:

•  foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits
•  medicines – including some  antibiotics  and  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  (NSAIDs)  like  aspirin
• insect stings  – particularly wasp and bee stings
•  general anaesthetic
•  contrast agents – dyes used in some medical tests to help certain areas of your body show up
  better on scans
•  latex – a type of rubber found in some rubber gloves and condoms
  In some cases, there’s no obvious trigger. This is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis.

Preventing anaphylaxis

If you have a serious allergy or have experienced anaphylaxis before, it's important to try to prevent
future episodes.
The following can help reduce your risk:

•  identify any triggers – you may be referred to an allergy clinic for  allergy tests  to check for
  anything that could trigger anaphylaxis
•  avoid triggers whenever possible – for example, you should be careful when food shopping or
  eating out if you have a  food allergy
•  carry your adrenaline auto-injector at all times (if you have 2, carry them both) – give yourself an
  injection whenever you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, even if you're not completely
  sure

Multiple choice questions:
1. Anaphylaxis is result of –
A. Immune system
B. Digestive system
C. Nervous system
D. Renal system
Ans: A. Immune system
2. Which medicine can cause anaphylaxis?
A. Paracitamol
B. Antihistamine
C. NSAID
D. Anti-inflammatory
Ans: C. NSAID
3. Which one can be a trigger ?
A. All kind of fruits
B. Nuts
C. Potato
D. Rice
Ans: B. Nuts
4. Anaphylaxis usually develops –
A. Suddenly
B. Naturally
C. Slowly
D. Normally
Ans: A. Suddenly
5. Which is not a symptom of anaphylaxis?
A. Wheezing
B. Hives
C. Breathing difficulties
D. Fever
Ans: D. Fever

Chest pain

Most chest pain isn’t a sign of anything serious but you should get medical advice just in
case. Get immediate medical help if you think you’re having a heart attack.
Immediate action required:
 spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw

•  makes your chest feel tight or heavy
•  also started with shortness of breath, sweating and feeling or being sick
•  lasts more than 15 minutes
  You could be having a  heart attack . Call ambulance immediately as you need immediate
  treatment in hospital.
  Non-urgent advice: Go to your local walk-in health centre if:
•  you have chest pain that comes and goes
•  you have chest pain that goes away quickly but you’re still worried
  It’s important to get medical advice to make sure it’s nothing serious.
  Find a walk-in centre

Common causes of chest pain

Chest pain has many different causes – only the most common are listed below. In most cases, chest pain is not caused by a heart problem. Your symptoms might give you an idea of the cause. Don’t self-diagnose – see a doctor if you’re worried.

Possible causes 

Chest pain symptoms     Possible cause

Starts after eating, bringing up food or bitter tasting fluids, feeling full and bloated heartburn  or  indigestion

Starts after chest injury or chest exercise, feels better when resting the muscle chest sprain or strain

Triggered by worries or a stressful situation, heartbeat gets faster, sweating, dizziness anxiety  or  panic attack

Gets worse when you breathe in and out, coughing up yellow or green mucus, high temperature chest infection  or  pneumonia

Tingling feeling on skin, skin rash appears that turns into blisters shingles

Chest pain and heart problems

The most common heart problems that cause chest pain include:

• pericarditis  – which usually causes a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse when you
  breathe deeply or lie down
•  angina  or a  heart attack  – which have similar symptoms but a heart attack is life-threatening
  You’re more likely to have heart problems if you’re older or know you’re at risk of  coronary heart
  disease .
  For example, if you:
•  smoke
•  are  very overweight (obese)
•  have  high blood pressure ,  diabetes  or  high cholesterol
•  have a history of heart attacks or angina in family members under 60 years old

Multiple choice question

1. Immediate action required in chest pain if
A. Pain spreads
B. Pain comes and goes shortly
C. Pain goes away quickly
D. Have heartburn
Ans: A. Pain spreads
2. Which is a symptom of pneumonia?
A. Tingling on skin
B. Fast heartbeat
C. Dizziness
D. Green mucus
Ans: D. Green mucus
3. Which is not a nature of chest pain in pericarditis?
A. Sharp
B. Moving
C. Sudden
D. Stabbing
Ans: B. Moving
4. Pain starts after injury or exercise is symptom of_______
A. Heart burn
B. Chest infection
C. Cheat strain
D. Panic attack
Ans: C. Chest strain

Food poisoning

foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better
within a week. You can normally treat yourself or your child at home.

Symptoms of food poisoning include:

•  nausea
•  diarrhoea
•  vomiting
•  stomach cramps
•  a high temperature of 38C or above

 feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills. The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks.

How you get food poisoning

You can catch food poisoning if you eat something that has been contaminated with germs.
This can happen if food:

•  isn’t cooked or reheated thoroughly
•  is musty
•  isn’t stored correctly – for example, it’s not been frozen or chilled
•  is handled by someone who’s ill or hasn’t washed their hands

 is eaten after its use by date
Any type of foods can cause food poisoning.

How to treat food poisoning :

You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. Stay off school or work until the symptoms have stopped for 2 days. This is when you’re most
infectious. Drink plenty water and fluids. Eat healthy food. If necessary you can take medicines like metronidazole.
Here are some tips to help you reduce your risk of food poisoning at home.

•  Wash your hands
•  Wash cooking place
•  Keep raw meat separate
•  Cook food thoroughly
•  Keep your fridge below 5C
•  Avoid overfilling your fridge
•  Cool leftovers quickly
•  Don’t eat food that’s past its use-by date, even if it looks and smells okay.

Multiple choice questions:

1. food poisoning is a –
A. water borne disease
B. Air borne disease

C. Food borne disease
D. STD
Ans: C. Food borne disease
2. Which is not a symptom of food poisoning ?
A. Diarrhoea
B. Nausea
C. Vomiting
D. Itching
Ans: D. Itching
3. Which kind of medicine you can take if necessary for food poisoning ?
A. Montelukast
B. Aspirin
C. Metronidazole
D. Clonazepam
Ans: C. Metronidazole
4. The temperature of fridge should be lower than –
A. 4C
B. 5C
C. 6C
D. 7C
Ans: 5C
5. Which kind of foods can cause food poisoning ?
A. Any kind of foods
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Fried
Ans: A. Any kind of foods

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. They’re often caused  by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days.

The advice is the same if you have diarrhoea and vomiting together or separately.

How to treat diarrhoea and vomiting yourself

• You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
•  stay at home and get plenty of rest
•  drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
•  carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
•  give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
•  eat when you feel able to – you don’t need to eat or avoid any specific foods
•  take  paracetamol  if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child Don’t
• do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
• do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength
• do not give medicine to children under 12 to stop diarrhoea
• do not give aspirin to children under 16

How long diarrhoea and vomiting last

In adults and children:

•  diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days
•  vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days

Diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily 

Important
Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days.
To help avoid spreading an infection:
Do

•  wash your hands  with soap and water frequently
•  wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash
•  clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day
  Don’t
•  do not prepare food for other people, if possible
•  do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils
• do not use a swimming pool until 2 weeks after the symptoms stop

A pharmacist can help if:

•  you or your child (over 5 years) have signs of  dehydration  – such as dark, smelly pee or
  peeing less than usual
•  you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours
  They may recommend:
•  oral rehydration sachets you mix with water to make a drink
•  medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours (like  loperamide ) – not suitable for children
  under 12

Urgent advice: Get advice from doctor if:

•  you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
•  your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
•  a child under 5 years has signs of  dehydration  – such as fewer wet nappies
•  you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
•  you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
•  you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
• you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days visit nearest hospital.

Immediate action required if you or your child:

•  vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
•  have bright green or yellow vomit
•  might have swallowed something poisonous
•  have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
• have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache

Causes of diarrhoea and vomiting

You probably won’t know exactly what the cause is, but the main causes of diarrhoea and
vomiting are treated in the same way.
The most common causes are:

•  a stomach bug (gastroenteritis)
•  norovirus  – also called the vomiting bug
•  food poisoning

Other causes of diarrhoea or vomiting

Multiple choice question :

1) What should do in diarrhoea?
A. Drink lots of fluid
B. Have fruit juice
C. Have fizzy drinks
D. Make baby formula weaker
Ans: A. Drink lots of fluid
2) Diarrhoea usually stops within –
A. 3-4 days
B. 5-7 days
C. 9-10 days
D. 1-2 days
Ans: B. 5-7 days
3) Do not give medicine to children under –
A. 9
B. 11
C. 6
D. 12
Ans: D. 12
4) To help avoid spreading infection –
A. Make food for others
B. Share towels
C. Wash hands
D. Use swimming pool
Ans: C. Wash hands
5) Vomit usually stops in –

A. 5-6 days
B. 1-2 days
C. 7-8 days
D. 3-4 days
Ans: B. 1-2 days

Back pain

Back pain is very common and usually improves within a few weeks or months.
Pain in the lower back (lumbago) is particularly common, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the hips. In most cases the pain is not caused by anything serious and will usually get better over time. There are things you can do to help relieve it. But sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back.

How to relieve back pain

The following tips may help reduce your back pain and speed up your recovery:

•  stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities – this is 1 of the most
  important things you can do, as resting for long periods is likely to make the pain worse
•  try  exercises and stretches for back pain ; other activities such
  as  walking ,  swimming ,  yoga  and  pilates  may also be helpful
•  take  anti-inflammatory painkillers , such as  ibuprofen  – remember to check the medicine is
  safe for you to take and ask a pharmacist if you’re not sure
• use hot or cold compression packs for short-term relief – you can buy these from a pharmacy, or a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or towel will work just as well

Although it can be difficult, it helps if you stay optimistic and recognise that your pain should get
better. People who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover quicker.

Getting help and advice

Back pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks or months and you may not need to
see a doctor or other healthcare professional.
But it’s a good idea to get help if:

•  the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks
•  the pain stops you doing your day-to-day activities
•  the pain is very severe or gets worse over time

 you’re worried about the pain or struggling to cope.
They may refer you to a specialist doctor or a  physiotherapist  for further help.

Causes of back pain

It’s often not possible to identify the cause of back pain. Doctors call this non-specific back pain.
Sometimes the pain may be from an injury such as a  sprain or strain , but often it happens for no
apparent reason. It’s very rarely caused by anything serious. Occasionally back pain can be
caused by a medical condition such as:

• a  slipped (prolapsed) disc  – where a disc of cartilage in the spine presses on a nearby nerve
• sciatica  – irritation of the nerve that runs from the pelvis to the feet These conditions tend to cause additional symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation, and they’re treated differently from non-specific back pain.

Preventing back pain

• It’s difficult to prevent back pain, but the following tips may help reduce your risk:
•  do regular  back exercises and stretches  – a GP or physiotherapist may be able to advise you
  about exercises to try
•  stay active – doing regular  exercise  can help keep your back strong; adults are advised to do
  at least  150 minutes of exercise a week
•  avoid sitting for long periods
•  take care when lifting
•  check your posture when sitting, using computers or tablets and watching television
•  ensure the mattress on your bed supports you properly

 lose weight  through a combination of a  healthy diet  and regular exercise if you're
overweight – being overweight can increase your risk of developing back pain

When to get immediate medical advice

You should contact a doctor  immediately if you have back pain and:

•  numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
•  difficulty peeing
•  loss of bladder or bowel control – peeing or pooing yourself
• chest pain
•  a high temperature
• unintentional weight loss
•  a swelling or a deformity in your back
•  it does not improve after resting or is worse at night
•  it started after a serious accident, such as after a car accident
•  the pain is so bad you're having problems sleeping
•  pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
•  the pain is coming from the top of your back, between your shoulders, rather than your
  lower back
  These problems could be a sign of something more serious and need to be checked urgently

Multiple choice question :
1) Which exercise is not beneficial for back pain?

A. Walking
B. Swimming
C. Yoga
D. Push up
Ans: D. Push up
2) Use hot and cold packs are for –
A. Short term relief
B. Long term relief
C. Nothing

D. Forever relief
Ans: A. Short term relief

3) It’s a good idea to get help if pain doesn’t start to improve within –

A. A week
B. 3 days
C. A month
D. Few weeks
Ans: D. few weeks

4) Adults are advised to do ___ hours exercise in a week.

A. 100
B. 120
C. 150
D. 180
Ans: C. 150

5) Which one is not a reason to contact a doctor immediately ?

A. Tingling around genital
B. Pain after sit for long time
C. Difficulty peeing
D. A swelling in back
Ans: B. pain after sit for a long time

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is common and mostly affects children, although you can get it at any age. It usually gets better by itself within a week without needing to see a doctor.
Check if it’s chickenpox
1. Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.
2. The spots fill with fluid and become blisters. The blisters may burst. They might spread or stay in a small area
3. The spots scab over. More blisters might appear while others scab over.
Other symptoms
You might get symptoms before or after the spots, including:

•  a high temperature above 38C
•  aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
• loss of appetite

Chickenpox is very itchy and can make children feel miserable, even if they do not have many
spots. Chickenpox is usually much worse in adults. It’s possible to get chickenpox more than
once, although it’s unusual.
How to treat chickenpox at home
Important
You’ll need to stay away from school, nursery or work until all the spots have crusted over.
This is usually 5 days after the spots first appeared.

•  drink plenty of fluid (try ice lollies if your child is not drinking) to avoid dehydration
•  take  paracetamol  to help with pain and discomfort
•  put socks on your child’s hands at night to stop scratching
•  cut your child’s nails
•  use cooling creams or gels from your pharmacy
•  speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itching
•  bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub)
•  dress in loose clothes
•  check with your airline if you’re going on holiday – many airlines will not allow you to fly with chickenpox
• Don’t do not use  ibuprofen  unless advised to do so by your doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections
•  do not give aspirin to children under 16
• do not be around pregnant women, newborn babies and people with a weakened immune system, as it can be dangerous for them

Urgent advice:Get advice from doctor if:

•  you’re pregnant and have not had chickenpox before you’re an adult and have chickenpox
•  and have been near someone with it
•  you have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with chickenpox
• you think your newborn baby has chickenpox

You may need medicine to prevent complications. You need to take it within 24 hours of the spots coming out. You can catch chickenpox by being in the same room as someone with it. It’s also spread by
touching clothes or bedding that has fluid from the blisters on it. Chickenpox is infectious from 2 days before the spots appear to until they have crusted over, usually 5 days after they first
appeared. It takes 1 to 3 weeks from the time you were exposed to chickenpox for the spots to start appearing.

Chickenpox in pregnancy

It’s rare to get chickenpox when you’re pregnant, and the chance of it causing complications is low.If you do get chickenpox when you’re pregnant, there’s a small risk of your baby being very
ill when it’s born.Speak to a doctor if you have not had chickenpox and have been near someone with it.

Multiple choice questions :

1) Spots of chicken pox fill with –
A. Blood
B. Pus
C. Fluid
D. Nothing
Ans: C. Fluid
2) Which one should no do in chicken pox?
A. Use cooling cream
B. Take ibuprofen
C. Take plenty of fluid
D. Bath with cool water
Ans: B. Take ibuprofen

Cold sores

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore. Most people are exposed to the
virus when they’re young after close contact with someone who has a cold sore. It does not usually show any symptoms until you’re older. You will not know if it’s in your skin unless you
get a cold sore. Cold sores are common and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. But there are things you can do to help ease the pain. A cold sore usually starts with a tingling,
itching or burning feeling. Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal. Some people find that certain things trigger a cold
sore, such as another illness, sunshine or periods.

How long cold sores are contagious

Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed.
A pharmacist can help with cold sores
A pharmacist can recommend:

•  creams to ease pain and irritation
•  antiviral creams to speed up healing time
• cold sore patches to protect the skin while it heals

Things you can do yourself
Cold sores take time to heal and they’re very contagious, especially when the blisters burst.

•  eat cool, soft foods
•  wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying cream
•  avoid anything that triggers your cold sores
•  use sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or above) if sunshine is the trigger
•  take  paracetamol  or  ibuprofen  to ease pain and swelling (liquid paracetamol is available
  for children) – do not give aspirin to children under 16
•  drink plenty of fluids to avoid  dehydration Don’t
•  Do not kiss babies if you have a cold sore. It can lead to  neonatal herpes , which is very dangerous to new born babies.
•  do not share anything that comes into contact with a cold sore (such as cold sore creams, cutlery or lipstick)
•  do not touch your cold sore (apart from applying cream)
•  do not rub cream into the cold sore – dab it on instead
•  do not eat acidic or salty food Non-urgent advice You should consult a doctor, if-
•  the cold sore has not started to heal within 10 days
•  you’re worried about a cold sore or think it’s something else
•  the cold sore is very large or painful
•  you or your child also have swollen, painful gums and sores in the mouth (gingivostomatitis)
•  you’re pregnant – there’s an increased risk of  neonatal herpes
•  you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes

Treatment

Doctor may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back.

Multiple choice questions:

1. what is the name of virus causes cold shore?
E. Herpes simplex
F. Ebola
G. Papilloma
H. Rubella
Ans: A. Herpes simplex
2. Herpes simplex virus does not show any symptom until you are-
A. Young
B. Having cold shore
C. Older
D. Suffering from fever
Ans: C. Older
3. Which is not a trigger of cold shore?
A. Illness
B. Sunshine
C. Periods
D. Sweating
Ans: D. sweating
4. If you have cold shore, do not-
A. Eat cold and soft foods
B. Kiss babies
C. Use sunblock
D. Drink fluids
Ans: B. Kiss babies
5. Cold shore usually clear up on their own within-
A. 5 days
B. 7 days
C. 10 days
D. 14 days
Ans: C. 10 days

Common cold

Common cold is a viral infection of nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It’s usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of virus can cause a common cold, though rhinoviruses are most common. Children younger than 6 years are at greatest risk of colds. You can often treat a cold without seeing a doctor. You should begin to feel better in about a week
or 2.
Symptoms:

•  a blocked or runny nose
•  a sore throat
•  headaches
•  muscle aches
• coughs
• sneezing
• a raised temperature
• pressure in your ears and face
• loss of taste and smell

The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.
How you can treat a cold yourself
To help you get better more quickly:

•  rest and sleep
•  keep warm
•  drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is OK) to  avoid dehydration
•  gargle salt water to soothe a  sore throat

A pharmacist can help with cold medicines
You can buy cough and cold medicines from pharmacies or supermarkets. A pharmacist can advise you on the best medicine.
You can:

•  relieve a blocked nose with decongestant sprays or tablets
• ease aches or lower a temperature with painkillers like  paracetamol  or  ibuprofen

Be careful not to use cough and cold medicines if you’re taking paracetamol and ibuprofen
tablets, as it’s easy to take more than the recommended dose. Some are not suitable for children,
babies and pregnant women. There’s little evidence that supplements (such as vitamin C,
echinacea or garlic) prevent colds or speed up recovery.
Information:
Do not go to a pharmacy if you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or
change to your sense of smell or taste, it could be coronavirus. Ask someone to go for you if you
can.
Antibiotics.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and colds are caused by viruses.

How to avoid spreading a cold
Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people. You’re infectious until all your
symptoms have gone. This usually takes a week or 2. Colds are spread by germs from coughs
and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
To reduce the risk of spreading a cold:

•  wash your hands often with warm water and soap
•  use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
•  bin used tissues as quickly as possible

How to prevent catching a cold
A person with a cold can start spreading it from a few days before their symptoms begin until the symptoms have finished.
The best ways to avoid catching a cold are:

•  washing your hands with warm water and soap
•  not sharing towels or household items (like cups) with someone who has a cold
•  not touching your eyes or nose in case you have come into contact with the virus – it can infect
  the body this way
• staying fit and healthy

The flu vaccine helps prevent flu but not colds.
Multiple choice questions:
1. which one is the most common virus that causes common cold?
A. Picornavirus
B. Adenovirus
C. Rhinovirus
D. Enterovirus
Ans: C. Rhinovirus
2. Children under ____ years are at the greatest risk of cold.
A. 5
B. 6
C. 4
D. 3
Ans: B. 6
3. Which one is a symptom of common cold?
E. Sneezing
F. Vomiting
G. Stomachache
H. Chest pain
Ans: A. sneezing
4. Which one is not a symptom of common cold?
A. Raise of temperature
B. Sore throat
C. Runny nose
D. Toothache
Ans: D. Toothache
5. Germ of common cold can live on surfaces for-
A. 24 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 36 hours
D. 48 hours
Ans: A. 24 hours

Cough

Cough, also known as tussis, is a voluntary or involuntary act that clears the throat and breathing passage of foreign particles, microbes, irritants, fluids and mucus. It is a rapid expulsion of air
from the lungs. Coughing can be done deliberately or as a part of a reflux. A cough will usually clear up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks.

How you can treat a cough yourself
There’s usually no need to see a doctor. You should:

•  rest
• drink plenty of fluids

You could also try:

•  hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
• a herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over)

There’s limited evidence to show these work.
Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.
You can ask a pharmacist about:

•  cough syrup
•  cough medicine (some cough medicines should not be given to children under 12)
• cough sweets

These will not stop your cough, but will help you cough less. Decongestants and cough medicines containing codeine will not stop your cough. Antibiotics  are not normally prescribed for coughs.
What causes coughs
Most coughs are caused by a cold or flu.
Other causes include:

•  smoking
•  heartburn (acid reflux)
•  allergies – for example, hay fever
•  infections like bronchitis
• mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose

A cough is very rarely a sign of something serious like lung cancer.

Multiple choice questions:

1. Cough is a act to clear up-
A. Throat
B. Lungs
C. Chest
D. Stomach
Ans: A. Throat
2. Cough is a expulsion of air from-
A. Heart
B. Lungs
C. Heart
D. Throat
Ans: B. Lungs
3. A cough will usually clear up on it’s own within-
A. 1-2 weeks
B. 2-3 weeks
C. 4-5 weeks
D. 3-4 weeks
Ans: D. 3-4 weeks

4. Hot lemon and honey are not suitable for children under-
A. 6 years
B. 1 year
C. 12 years
D. 16 years
Ans: B. 1 year
5. Which is not a cause of cough?
A. Flu
B. Cold
C. Headache
D. Smoking
Ans: C. Headache

Toothache

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth that may caused by a number of dental problems.
See a dentist if you have toothache:

•  that last more than 2 days
•  that doesn’t go away when you take painkillers
•  with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth
• and your cheek or jaw are swollen

If you have toothache and:

•  the area around your eye or your neck is swollen
• swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak.

Do:

•  take painkillers, like  ibuprofen  or  paracetamol  (children under 16 shouldn’t take aspirin) – a
  pharmacist can advise you
•  try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children shouldn’t try this)
•  use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets
• eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth

Don’t:

•  do not eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold
•  do not smoke – it can make some dental problems worse

Causes of toothache
Toothache can be caused by:

•  tooth decay
•  a  dental abscess
•  a cracked or damaged tooth
•  a loose or broken filling
•  an infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but
  doesn’t have enough room to fully come through
• problems with your braces

How to prevent toothache
The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
To do this:

•  have  regular dental check-ups
•  cut down on sugary foods and drinks – only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
•  brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque

Multiple choice questions:

1. Immediately visit a dentist if pain does not go away within-
A. 1 day
B. 5 days
C. 1 week
D. 2 days
Ans: D. 2 days
2. Do not eat _____ foods in toothache.
A. Warm
B. Soft
C. Cold
D. Liquid
Ans: C. Cold
3. Which is not a cause of toothache?
1. Tooth decay
2. Dental abscess
3. Cracked tooth
4. Acidity
Ans: D. Acidity
4. How to prevent dental problems?
A. Regular dental check up
B. Ear sugary foods
C. Do not brush teeth
D. Do not clean between teeth
Ans: A. Regular dental check up.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance. Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause skin to become dry and irritated. Contact
dermatitis usually improves or clears up completely if the substance causing the problem is identified and avoided. Treatments are also available to help ease the symptoms.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis

•  Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry and cracked.
•  Lighter skin can become red, and darker skin can become dark brown, purple or grey.
•  This reaction usually occurs within a few hours or days of exposure to an irritant or
  allergen. 
• Symptoms can affect any part of the body but most commonly the hands and face.

When to see a pharmacist
Speak to a pharmacist if your contact dermatitis is troubling you. They can recommend treatments such as  emollients (moisturisers) , which you rub on your skin to stop it becoming dry.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have persistent, recurrent or severe symptoms of contact dermatitis. They can try to identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatments. A GP may refer you to  a doctor who specialises in treating skin conditions (dermatologist) for further tests if:

•  the substance causing your contact dermatitis cannot be identified
• your symptoms are not responding to treatment

Causes of contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can be caused by:

•  an irritant – a substance that directly damages the outer layer of skin
• an allergen – a substance that causes the immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin

Contact dermatitis is most commonly caused by irritants such as soaps and detergents, solvents or regular contact with water.
Treating contact dermatitis
If you can successfully avoid the irritants or allergens that trigger your symptoms, your skin will
eventually clear up.
However, as this is not always possible, you may also be advised to use:

•  emollients  – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry

 topical corticosteroids  – steroid ointments and creams applied to the skin to relieve severe
symptoms
If you have a severe episode of contact dermatitis and it covers a large area of your skin, a doctor
may prescribe  oral corticosteroids , but this is rare.
Preventing contact dermatitis
The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid contact with the allergens or irritants that
cause your symptoms.

If you cannot avoid contact, you can take steps to reduce the risk of the allergens or irritants
causing symptoms, including:

•  cleaning your skin – if you come into contact with an allergen or irritant, rinse the affected
  skin with warm water and an emollient as soon as possible
•  using gloves to protect your hands – but take them off every now and again, as sweating can
  make any symptoms worse; you may find it useful to wear cotton gloves underneath rubber
  gloves if the rubber also irritates you
•  changing products that irritate your skin – check the ingredients on make-up or soap to
  make sure it does not contain any irritants or allergens; in some cases, you may need to
  contact the manufacturer or check online to get this information
•  applying  emollients  frequently and in large amounts – these keep your skin hydrated and
  help protect it from allergens and irritants; you could also use emollient soap substitutes
  rather than regular bar or liquid soaps, which can dry out your skin

Multiple choice questions:

1. contact dermatitis is a type of _____.
1. Infection
2. Eczema
3. Allergy
4. None
Ans: B. Eczema
2. Contact dermatitis causes skin to become _____
A. Itchy
B. Dry
C. Smooth
D. Cracked
Ans: C. Smooth
3. Contact dermatitis can caused by_____
A. An irritant
B. A bacteria
C. A virus
D. A foreign substance
Ans: A. An irritant
4. How to prevent contact dermatitis?
A. Brushing teeth
B. Taking fruits
C. Drinking water
D. Using gloves
Ans: D. Using gloves

Floaters and flashes in the eyes

Dots and lines (floaters) or flashes of light in the eyes are common. They’re not usually serious.

Floaters and flashes are usually harmless

If you sometimes see:

• floaters – such as small dark dots, squiggly lines, rings or cobwebs
•  flashes of light

in your vision, it’s not usually a sign of anything serious, especially if:

•  you have had them for a long time
•  they’re not getting worse
• your vision is not affected

Flashes may stop by themselves, and floaters often become less noticeable as you get used to
them.
Urgent advice : Get advice from doctor if:

•  floaters or flashes appear suddenly
•  floaters or flashes suddenly increase in number
•  you have a dark “curtain” or shadow moving across your vision
•  you also have blurred vision
•  you also have eye pain
• floaters start after eye surgery or an eye injury

These could be signs of a serious problem with the back of your eye, which could permanently affect your vision if it’s not treated quickly.

Causes of floaters and flashes

Lots of people, particularly older people, get floaters and flashes.
They’re usually caused by a harmless process called  posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) , which
happens as you get older.
Sometimes they can be caused by  retinal detachment .
This is a serious condition where a thin layer that sends signals to the brain (the retina) pulls
away from the back of the eye. It can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated.
Floaters and flashes can also happen for no obvious reason.

Multiple choice questions:

1. Floaters can be ______.
1. Dot
2. Line
3. Both
4. None
Ans: C. Both
2. Which people particularly get floaters and flashes?
A. Younger
B. Older
C. Children
D. All
Ans: B. Older
3. It’s not urgent to see a doctor if______
A. Floaters and flashes have suddenly

B. Have eye pain
C. Have blurred vision
D. Jus have a small black dot
Ans: D. Just have a black dot

Flu

Flu or influenza is causes by a virus called influenza virus.
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

•  a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
•  an aching body
•  feeling tired or exhausted
•  a dry cough
•  a sore throat
•  a headache
•  difficulty sleeping
•  loss of appetite
•  diarrhoea or tummy pain
• feeling sick and being sick

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less
active.

How to treat flu yourself

To help you get better more quickly:

•  rest and sleep
•  keep warm
•  take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains

 drink plenty of water to  avoid dehydration  (your pee should be light yellow or clear)

A pharmacist can help with flu

A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. Be careful not to use flu
remedies if you’re taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets as it’s easy to take more than the
recommended dose.
Immediate action required: Call ambulance if you:

•  develop sudden chest pain
•  have difficulty breathing
•  start coughing up blood

How to avoid spreading the flu

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in
the first 5 days. Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and
surfaces for 24 hours. To reduce the risk of spreading flu:

•  wash your hands often with warm water and soap
•  use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
•  bin used tissues as quickly as possible

Multiple choice questions:

1. What is the name of virus causes flu?
1. Rubella
2. Influenza
3. Rotavirus
4. Norovirus
Ans: B. Influenza
2. Which one is not a symptom of flu?
A. Shortness of breathing
B. An aching body
C. High temperature
D. Being sick
Ans: A. Shortness of breathing
3. How to treat flu yourself?
A. Do workout
B. Drink plenty of water
C. Keep cool
D. Don’t take paracetamols
Ans: B. Drink plenty of water
4. How many days flu is likely to spread to others?
A. 2 days
B. 3 days
C. 4 days
D. 5days
Ans: D. 5 days
5. How can we prevent flu from spreading?
A. By roaming around
B. By taking medicines
C. By using tissue when sneeze
D. None
Ans: C. By using tissue when sneeze

Head lice and nits

Head lice and nits are very common in young children and their families. They do not have
anything to do with dirty hair and are picked up by head-to-head contact.
Head lice are small insects, up to 3mm long. They can be difficult to spot in your hair. Head lice
eggs (nits) are brown or white (empty shells) and attached to the hair. Head lice can make your
head feel:

•  itchy
• like something is moving in your hair

The only way to be sure someone has head lice is by finding live lice. You can do this by
combing their hair with a special fine-toothed comb (detection comb). You can buy these online
or at pharmacies.
How to get rid of head lice
Treat head lice as soon as you spot them. You should check everyone in the house and start
treating anyone who has head lice on the same day.
Wet combing

Lice and nits can be removed by wet combing. You should try this method first. You can buy a
special fine-toothed comb (detection comb) online or from pharmacies to remove head lice and
nits. There may be instructions on the pack, but usually you:

•  wash hair with ordinary shampoo
•  apply lots of conditioner (any conditioner will do)
• comb the whole head of hair, from the roots to the ends

It usually takes about 10 minutes to comb short hair, and 20 to 30 minutes for long, frizzy or
curly hair. Do wet combing on days 1, 5, 9 and 13 to catch any newly hatched head lice. Check
again that everyone’s hair is free of lice on day 17.
Medicated lotions and sprays
Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have tried wet combing for 17 days, but your child still has
live head lice. They may recommend using medicated lotions and sprays. These kill head lice in
all types of hair, and you can buy them from pharmacies, supermarkets or online.
Prevention
There’s nothing you can do to prevent head lice. You can help stop them spreading by wet or dry
combing regularly to catch them early. Always try to keep your scalp and hair clean.

Multiple choice questions:

1. How long head lice are?
A. 1mm
B. 5mm
C. 4mm
D. 3mm
Ans: D. 3mm

2. How many days it can take to free hair from lice by wet combing?

A. 17 days
B. 15 days
C. 14 days
D. 7 days
Ans: A. 17 days
3. What can prevent head lice?
A. Using spray
B. Using lotions
C. Nothing
D. Medicines
Ans: C. Nothing

Headaches

Most headaches will go away on their own and are not a sign of something more serious.
How you can ease headaches yourself
Headaches can last between 30 minutes and several hours.
Do:

•  drink plenty of water
• get plenty of rest if you have a cold or the flu
•  try to relax – stress can make headaches worse
•  exercise when you can
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen

Don’t:

•  do not drink alcohol
•  do not skip meals (even if you might not feel like eating anything)
•  do not sleep more than you usually would – it can make the headache worse
• do not strain your eyes for a long time – for example, by looking at a screen

See a doctor if:

•  your headache keeps coming back
•  painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse
•  you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – this could be a  migraine  or, more
  rarely, a  cluster headache
•  you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful
• you get other symptoms – for example, your arms or legs feel numb or weak

Urgent advice : Get advice from doctor if you have a severe headache and:

•  your jaw hurts when eating
•  blurred or double vision
• your scalp feels sore

These could be signs that the arteries in your head and neck are inflamed. This needs urgent treatment.

•  you injured your head badly – for example, from a fall or accident
•  the headache came on suddenly and is extremely painful
•  You have an extremely painful headache and:
•  sudden problems speaking or remembering things
•  loss of vision
•  you’re feeling drowsy or confused
•  you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have a stiff neck or a rash
• the white part of your eye is red

What can cause headaches
The most common reasons are:

•  having a  cold  or the  flu
•  stress
•  drinking too much alcohol
•  bad posture
•  eyesight problems
•  not eating regular meals
•  not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
•  taking too many painkillers
• women having their period or menopause

Multiple choice questions:

1) Headaches can last_______
A. 30 minutes
B. 7 days
C. 30 minutes to several hours
D. Several hours
Ans: C. 30 minutes to several hours

2) To get rid of headache ________
A. Skip meal
B. Try to relax
C. Drink alcohol
D. Sleep more than usual
Ans: B. Try to relax
3) What should not do in headache?
A. Strain eyes for long time
B. Drink plenty of water
C. Take plenty of rest
D. Take medicine
Ans: A. Strain eyes for long time

Tension-type headaches

A tension-type headache is the most common type of headache and the one we think of as a
normal everyday headache.
Symptoms of tension-type headaches
It may feel like a constant ache that affects both sides of the head. You may also feel the neck muscles tighten and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes. A tension headache normally is not
severe enough to prevent you doing everyday activities. It usually lasts for 30 minutes to several hours, but can last for several days.
Who gets tension headaches?
Most people are likely to have experienced a tension headache at some point. They can develop at any age, but are more common in teenagers and adults. Women tend to suffer from them more
commonly than men. Some adults experience tension-type headaches more than 15 times a month for at least 3 months in a row. This is known as having chronic tension-type headaches.
When to seek medical help
There’s usually no need to see a doctor if you only get occasional headaches. But see a doctor if
you get headaches several times a week or they’re sever. You should seek immediate medical
advice for headaches that:

•  come on suddenly and are unlike anything you have had before
•  are accompanied by a very stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting and confusion
•  follow an accident, especially if it involved a blow to your head
• are accompanied by weakness, numbness, slurred speech or confusion

These symptoms suggest there could be a more serious problem, which may require further
investigation and emergency treatment.
What causes tension headaches?

The exact cause of tension-type headaches is not clear, but certain things have been known to
trigger them.
These include:

•  stress  and  anxiety
•  squinting
•  poor posture
•  tiredness
•  dehydration
•  missing meals
•  lack of physical activity
•  bright sunlight
•  noise
• certain smells

Tension-type headaches are known as primary headaches, which means they’re not caused by an
underlying condition. 
How are tension headaches treated?
Tension-type headaches are not life threatening and are usually relieved by painkillers or
lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes
Relaxation techniques can often help with stress-related headaches. This may include:

•  yoga
•  massage
•  exercise
•  applying a cool flannel to your forehead or a warm flannel to the back of your neck

Painkillers
Painkillers such as  paracetamol  or  ibuprofen  can be used to help relieve pain. Aspirin may also
sometimes be recommended. Paracetamol is usually the best choice if you’re pregnant. Children
under 16 should not be given aspirin. Medicine should not be taken for more than a few days at a
time. Your body can get used to the medicine and a headache can develop if you stop taking
them. 
Preventing tension headaches
If you experience frequent tension-type headaches, you may wish to keep a diary to try to
identify what could be triggering them. It may then be possible to alter your diet or lifestyle to
prevent them occurring as often. Regular exercise and relaxation are also important measures to
help reduce stress and tension that may be causing headaches. Maintaining good posture  and
ensuring you’re well rested and hydrated can also help.

Multiple choice questions:

1) Which one is not a symptom of tension type headache?
A) Feeling pressure behind eyes
B) Pain in both side of head
C) Neck muscle tighten
D) Visual phenomena
Ans: D) Visual phenomena
2) Who are most likely to have tension type headache?

A) Men
B) Women
C) Children
D) None
Ans: B) Women
3) There is no need to see a doctor if_______
A) Have occasional headache
B) Have fever
C) Stiff neck
D) Vomiting
Ans: A) Have occasional headache
4) Which one is not a cause of tension type headache?
A) Stress
B) Bright sunlight
C) High blood pressure
D) Noise
Ans: C) High blood pressure
5) How can tension type headache can be treated?
A) Yoga
B) Antibiotics
C) Exercise
D) Painkiller
Ans: B) Antibiotics

Headaches in children

Most children and teenagers get at least one headache a year. They’re often different from the
headaches that adults get, so parents and healthcare professionals can fail to notice the problem.
They start suddenly in children, with the child quickly becoming pale and listless, and often
feeling sick and vomiting. Children also generally recover very quickly. The headache can be
over half an hour later, with the child feeling well and playing outside as if nothing’s happened.
Children’s headaches can also affect their stomach, so a  tummy ache  is a common complaint, she
says.
Causes of headache in children:

•  Skipping lunch can causes headache in children
•  Sports can be a trigger.
• Childhood memories and emotional problems are very common causes

Headache self-help tips for kids
Often, simple steps will be enough to help your child through a headache or migraine attack:

•  lie them down in a quiet, dark room
•  put a cool, moist cloth across their forehead or eyes
•  get them to breathe easily and deeply
•  encourage them to sleep, as this speeds recovery
•  encourage them to eat or drink something (but not drinks containing caffeine)

If you think your child needs painkillers, start the medicine as soon as possible after the
headache has begun. Paracetamol  and  ibuprofen  are both safe and work well for children with
headaches. The syrups are easier for children to take than tablets.

Multiple choice questions:

1. Children headache can affect _____
A. Lungs
B. Stomach
C. Liver
D. Heart
Ans: B. Stomach
2. Which symptom is not associated with children headache?
A. Vomiting
B. Feeling sick
C. Blurred vision
D. Becoming pale
Ans: C. Blurred vision
3. Which will not help a child through headache?
A. Taking bath
B. Lie down in a dark room
C. Eat or drink
D. Deep breath
Ans: A. Taking bath
4. _____ are easier to swallow for children.
A. Tablet
B. Syrup
C. Both
D. None
Ans: B. Syrup

Health anxiety

Health anxiety (sometimes called hypochondria) is when you spend so much time worrying
you’re ill, or about getting ill, that it starts to take over your life.
Check if you have health anxiety
You may have health anxiety if you:

•  constantly worry about your health
•  frequently check your body for signs of illness, such as lumps, tingling or pain
•  are always asking people for reassurance that you're not ill
•  worry that your doctor or medical tests may have missed something
•  obsessively look at health information on the internet or in the media
•  avoid anything to do with serious illness, such as medical TV programmes
• act as if you were ill (for example, avoiding physical activities)

Anxiety itself can cause symptoms like headaches or a racing heartbeat, and you may mistake
these for signs of illness.

Self-help for health anxiety

•  Challenge your thoughts
•  Keep busy with other things
•  Get back to normal activities
•  Try to relax
• Exercise

If these are not working, patient should consult with a doctor.

Multiple choice questions:

1. Health anxiety itself can cause _______.
A. Stomach ache
B. Body ache
C. Toothache
D. Headache
Ans: D. Headache
2. Which is not a symptom of health anxiety?
A. Constantly worried about health
B. Feeling or being sick
C. Frequently check body
D. Worried about medical test
Ans: B. Feeling or being sick
3. What can help for health anxiety?
A. Normal activities
B. Medicines
C. Check-up
D. Complete rest
Ans: A. Normal activities

Heartburn and acid reflux

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards
the throat (acid reflux). If it keeps happening, it’s called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
(GORD).
The main symptoms of acid reflux are:

•  heartburn – a burning sensation in the middle of your chest
•  an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid
  You may also have:
•  a cough or hiccups that keep coming back
•  a hoarse voice
•  bad breath
• bloating and feeling sick

Your symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.
Causes of heartburn and acid reflux

Lots of people get heartburn from time to time. There’s often no obvious reason why.
Sometimes it’s caused or made worse by:

•  certain food and drink – such as coffee, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
•  being overweight
•  smoking
•  pregnancy
•  stress and anxiety
•  some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen)
•  a  hiatus hernia  – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest

How you can ease heartburn and acid reflux yourself
Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce heartburn.

Do:

•  eat smaller, more frequent meals
•  try to avoid fried and fast foods
•  use less oil and spices for cooking
•  try to lose weight if you’re overweight
• try to find ways to relax

Don’t

•  do not have food or drink that triggers your symptoms
•  do not eat within 3 or 4 hours before bed
•  do not wear clothes that are tight around your waist
•  do not smoke
•  do not drink alcohol
• do not stop taking any prescribed medicine without speaking to a doctor first

A pharmacist can help with heartburn and acid reflux
Speak to a pharmacist for advice if you keep getting heartburn. They can recommend medicines
called  antacids  that can help ease your symptoms. It’s best to take these with food or soon after
eating, as this is when you’re most likely to get heartburn. They may also work for longer if
taken with food.
Patient should go to a doctor, if:

•  lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines are not helping
•  you have heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more
•  you have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick or
  losing weight for no reason

A doctor can provide stronger treatments and help rule out any more serious possible causes of
your symptoms.

Multiple choice questions:

1. Heartburn caused by______
A. Blood

B. Bile
C. Stomach acid
D. Enzymes
Ans: C. Stomach acid
2. Which one is a main symptom of acid reflux?
A. Hiccup
B. Bad taste in mouth
C. Bloating
D. Bad breath
Ans: B. Bad taste in mouth
3. Which one is not a reason of heartburn?
A. Pregnancy
B. Smoking
C. Stress
D. Flu
Ans: D. Flu
4. What should not do to prevent acid reflux?
A. Eat spicy foods
B. Avoid fast foods
C. Try to relax
D. Eat frequent meal
Ans: A. Eat spicy foods
5. What should patient do in heartburn?
A. Smoking
B. Wear tight cloths
C. Lose weight if over weight
D. Use more oil for cooking
Ans: C. Lose weight if under weight

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure is a reading of less than 90/60mmHg. It does not always cause
symptoms, but you may need treatment if it does.
Get your blood pressure checked if you keep getting symptoms like:

•  lightheadedness or dizziness
•  feeling sick
•  blurred vision
•  generally feeling weak
•  confusion
• fainting

This might mean your blood pressure is too low. If you get symptoms when you stand up or
suddenly change position, you may have postural hypotension. Low blood pressure is a
measurement of less than 90/60mmHg. If you’re 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood
pressure checked at least once every 5 years.

How to ease low blood pressure symptoms yourself
Do:

•  get up slowly from sitting to standing
•  take care when getting out of bed – move slowly from lying to sitting to standing
•  raise the head of your bed by about 15cm (6 inches) with bricks or heavy books
•  eat small, frequent meals – lying down or sitting still for a while after eating may also help
•  increase the amount of water you drink
• Don’t:
•  do not sit or stand for long periods
•  do not bend down or change posture suddenly
•  do not drink caffeinated drinks at night
• do not drink too much alcohol

Causes of low blood pressure
Your blood pressure can vary depending on the time of day. It gradually increases throughout the
day. What you’re doing and how you’re feeling can also affect it. There are many possible causes
of low blood pressure. It may be low because you’re fit and healthy, or you may have inherited it
from your parents. Some people develop low blood pressure as they get older. It can also be
caused by:

•  being pregnant
•  some medical conditions, such as  diabetes
•  some medicines

Multiple choice questions:

1. Low blood pressure is a measurement less than_______.
A. 120/80 mmHg
B. 90/60 mmHg
C. 100/140 mmHg
D. 80/50 mmHg
Ans: B. 90/60 mmHg
2. Which one is not a symptom of low blood pressure?
A. Stiff neck
B. Dizziness
C. Fainting
D. Confusion
Ans: A. Stiff neck
3. When you have to check your blood pressure if you are 40-70 years old?
A. Once every year
B. Twice every year
C. Twice every 5 years
D. Once every 5 years
Ans: D. One every 5 years
4. Get up _____ from sitting position.

A. Fast
B. Suddenly
C. Slowly
D. Rapidly
Ans: C. Slowly
5. Which one is not a possible reason for low blood pressure?
A. Overweight
B. Pregnancy
C. Get older
D. From parents
Ans: A. Overweight

Food allergy

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts unusually to specific foods.
Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can be very serious.
Symptoms of a food allergy can affect different areas of the body at the same time. Some
common symptoms include:

•  an itchy sensation inside the mouth, throat or ears
•  a raised itchy red rash ( urticaria , or hives)
•  swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips, tongue and roof of the mouth  (angioedema)
• vomiting

What causes food allergies?
Food allergies happen when the immune system – the body’s defence against infection –
mistakenly treats proteins found in food as a threat. As a result, a number of chemicals are
released. It’s these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Almost any food
can cause an allergic reaction, but there are certain foods that are responsible for most food
allergies. Foods that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are:

•  milk
•  eggs
•  peanuts
•  tree nuts
•  fish
• some fruit and vegetables

Most children that have a food allergy will have experienced  eczema  during infancy. The worse
the child’s eczema and the earlier it started, the more likely they are to have a food allergy. It’s
still unknown why people develop allergies to food, although they often have other allergic
conditions, such as  asthma ,  hay fever  and  eczema .

Types of food allergies
Food allergies are divided into 3 types, depending on symptoms and when they occur.

•  IgE-mediated food allergy – the most common type, triggered by the immune system
  producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Symptoms occur a few seconds or
  minutes after eating. There’s a greater risk of anaphylaxis with this type of allergy.
•  non-IgE-mediated food allergy – these allergic reactions aren’t caused by immunoglobulin
  E, but by other cells in the immune system. This type of allergy is often difficult to diagnose
  as symptoms take much longer to develop (up to several hours).
•  mixed IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies – some people may experience
  symptoms from both types.

Treatment
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to identify the food that causes the allergy and
avoid it.
Research is currently looking at ways to desensitise some food allergens, such as peanuts and
milk, but this is not an established treatment. Antihistamines  can help relieve the symptoms of a
mild or moderate allergic reaction. A higher dose of antihistamine is often needed to control
acute allergic symptoms. Adrenaline is an effective treatment for more severe allergic symptoms,
such as  anaphylaxis .

Multiple choice questions:

1. Which is not a symptom of food allergy?
A. Hives
B. Swelling
C. Diarrhea
D. Itching
Ans: C. Diarrhea
2. Which food can causes food allergy?
A. Egg
B. Rice
C. All kind of fruits
D. Sugar
Ans: A. Egg
3. _____ can help relieve the symptoms of allergic reaction.
A. Paracitamol
B. Antihistamines
C. NSAID
D. Antibiotics
Ans: B. Antihistamine