Traveller's Health Flashcards
What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
mild
- nausea, discomfort in upper abdomen, feeling of being unwell
severe
- pale skin, cold sweat, dizziness, fainting, increased production of saliva, vomiting
additional symptoms
- rapid, shallow breathing
- headache, drowsiness, extreme tiredness
What are medicinal treatments for motion sickness? What are their side effects?
hyoscine (scopolamine)
promethazine (avomine)
cyclizine (valoid)
cinnarizine (stugeron)
side effects
- drowsiness, headaches, pins and needles, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation
What are non-medicinal treatments for motion sickness?
ginger
- tea, tablets, biscuits
acupressure bands
minimise head and body movements
lie horizontally
fix vision on a stable object
distractions - music, focus on breathing
avoid large meals or alcohol
What are risk factors for deep vein thrombosis?
inactivity
overweight
oestrogen therapy - contraceptives, HRT
pregnancy
inherited clotting disorders
increased age
dehydration
smoking
varicose veins
What are the symptoms of DVT?
pain, swelling and tenderness of legs
heavy ache in affected area
warm skin in region of clot
redness of skin
What is the main complication of DVT?
pulmonary embolism
- piece of the clot breaks off into the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel in the lungs
- breathing difficulties, chest pain, collapsed lungs, heart failure
What are medicinal and non-medicinal treatments for DVT?
anticoagulation
- heparin
- warfarin
graduated compression hosiery
raising the legs
How can DVT be prevented?
drink plenty of water
avoid excessive alcohol
avoid taking sleeping pills
take occasional short walks
wear loose and comfortable clothing
wear graduated compression hosiery
What is jet lag? What can it be caused by?
a feeling of tiredness and confusion after a long aircraft journey
causes
- disruption of circadian rhythm
- reduced oxygen levels
- dehydration
- lack of sleep
- drinking alcohol
- stress
What are symptoms of jet lag?
sleep disturbance
indigestion
constipation
diarrhoea
nausea
loss of appetite
difficulty concentrating
feeling disoriented
anxiety
irritability
lethargy
What is the treatment for jet lag?
melatonin
sleeping tablets
- diphenhydramine
- promethazine
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
red, sore skin - erythema
warm skin
tender to touch
flaking, peeling
blisters
swollen
chills
fever
malaise
heat exhaustion - dizziness, headache, nausea
What can be used to treat sunburn?
water - cold compress, sponges
moisturiser
painkillers
burn cream/dressings
When should people be referred for skin cancer?
small lumps - waxy, smooth, bleed/develop a crust
flat, red spots - scaly, crusty
firm, red lumps - painless, grow slowly
lumps with scaly/horny top
moles and freckles
What is miliaria? Who is most likely to be affected?
also known as prickly heat
- rash of small, raised spots that can cause mild swelling, itching and a stinging/prickling sensation
- on the face, neck, back, chest or thighs
most likely to be affected
- overweight/obese people, babies and children
- hot climate
- illness and immobility
