Lifestyle advice

Question 1

Mouth ulcers

Answer 1

• Avoid the cause of the ulcers i.e. food, mouth trauma
• If due to badly fitting dentures then see a dentist
• Any paste or gel used should be kept in contact with the ulcer for as long as possible to maximise the effect
• Corlan pellets should be allowed to dissolve, they should not be sucked.
• Try to stop smoking. People who smoke are more prone to mouth cancers than those who do not.

Question 2

Oral thush

Answer 2

• Go to see asthma nurse to learn how to use inhaler properly
• Ask for a spacer advice
• Change to a breath-actuated inhaler
• Rinse mouth with water after using the inhaler

Question 3

Dyspepsia

Answer 3

• Only take the above remedies for 5 days

- See the doctor as soon as possible

Question 4

Nausea and vomiting

Answer 4

• Eat small and frequent meals
• Avoid dairy as this can irritate the stomach
• Drink ginger tea or eat ginger biscuits as this can have anti-emetic properties
• Drink peppermint tea (or hot water with mint leaves) as this can help digestion, reduce bloating and settle the stomach

Question 5

Motion sickness

Answer 5

• Make sure to take tablets before the journey to ensure effectiveness
• Sit over the wing in an aeroplane
• Sit facing the direction of travel and try to look out of the window
• If the medication causes a dry mouth, you can suck on a sweet to stimulate saliva production
• Keep the children occupied by playing games as hence they will be concentrating on something else
• Do not read a book when travelling as this can exacerbate the feelings of nausea
• Ginger biscuits can help alleviate nausea - good for pregnant people who cannot take any of the above medication
• Use acupressure wristbands to apply pressure to a defines point on the inside of the wrists

Question 6

Constipation

Answer 6

• Exercise
• More fiber (wholemeal cereal/bread, fruit veg)
• Drink plenty of fluids (2.5L per day)

Question 7

Diarrhoea

Answer 7

• Drink plenty of fluids
• No milk because can make it worse
• Ease of going out for a bit and maybe avoid contact with people just in case it is infections

Question 8

Haemorrhoids

Answer 8

• If constipation is thought to be the cause, eat more fiber to soften the stool (wholegrain bread, cereal, fruit and vegetables)
• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine (found in tea, coffee and cola).
• Avoid straining to pass stools
• Use moist toilet paper or baby wipes instead of dry toilet paper
• Pat, don’t rub
• Resist the temptation to scratch haemorrhoids