When to Seek Medical Care for a Fever
You’re running a fever. Is it time to seek medical attention, or can you ride it out safely at home? Keep reading to learn more about when to reach out to a doctor when you have a fever.
Over-the-Counter Essentials: What You Should Always Have in Your Medicine Cabinet
Your kid skins their knee. Your partner has a stomach virus. And you have a headache. Must you rush to urgent care for every minor emergency or health crisis? Not necessarily.
When you stock your medicine cabinet well and appropriately, you and your family can deal with minor health setbacks yourself. Of course, if there’s any doubt, always reach out to your primary care provider for a diagnosis and expert treatment.
At Macomb Medical Clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, our board-certified family physicians and medical experts are here when your family needs us. In between those times, we want you to feel confident in your ability to take care of minor emergencies yourself.
So what tools do you need to tackle everyday health ups and downs? Take a look at our list of over-the-counter (OTC) essentials to stock in your medicine cabinet.
Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Of 151 million emergency room visits annually in the United States, wounds, bruises and burns make up a fair share. For minor cuts and burns, be sure you have:
- Adhesive bandages
- Gauze bandages
- Tape
- Antiseptic, such as peroxide
- Cotton balls
- Antibiotic ointment
After you clean the cut or scrape and the bleeding stops, apply the antibiotic ointment immediately. Then cover the area. These steps ensure the wound is moist and protected, so it can heal while minimizing the risk for infection.
Pain and swelling
The best pain relievers to have on hand are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. They come in pill and liquid forms, but also as topical creams you can apply directly to wherever you ache. But which do you use when?
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It doesn’t reduce swelling, but it’s easier on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract than NSAIDs are.
You can take acetaminophen for period pain, headaches, arthritis, and toothaches. You might want to reduce swelling by icing and compression and take acetaminophen for pain.
Acetaminophen is safe for pregnant women and for children under 6 months of age. But if you have liver problems, you may need to make another choice.
NSAIDs
The NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation. They’re particularly good for muscle aches, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Any NSAID can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Use only as recommended.
Itches and allergies
You or someone in your family may be among the more than 100 million people in the United States who suffer from allergies each year. To control symptoms, you need to stock antihistamines and decongestants.
An itchy bug bite or poison ivy rash is also an allergic reaction. Stock a topical cream that counters the itch, such as hydrocortisone.
Tummy troubles
From flu to food poisoning, a delicious meal can turn into an unpleasant episode of vomiting or an upset stomach. Your family members might also suffer from other GI disorders, such as acid reflux. Stock your medicine chest with digestion helpers such as:
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrheals
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol® or Kaopectate®)
- Charcoal tablets
Charcoal tablets absorb anything that doesn't agree with you in your digestive tract. You can also use them as an emergency treatment for potential poisoning while you rush your loved one to the emergency room.
Colds and flu
The flu and cold season is around the corner, so it's always a good idea to have appropriate medications. Please ensure that medications from last year haven’t expired and, if so, go out and get a new batch of cough suppressants and decongestants.
Helpful tools
In addition to medications, you need some essential tools. Be sure you have:
- Tweezers for splinters
- Saline solution
- Eye wash cup
- Wipes for cleaning
- Compression bandages for minor sprains
Periodically check the expiration dates on your medications. Throw out anything that’s expired or nearly empty and replace it with fresh stock.
And when the medicine cabinet isn’t enough to care for your family, we're happy to help. Book a primary care visit today at Macomb Medical Clinic. Call us at 586-315-2393 or use our online contact form.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Are you at risk for diabetes? Find out if you’re among the increasingly large percentage of people who need to be aware of their risk level as they age.
Why It's More Difficult for Women to Lose Weight and How We Can Help
Your male friends eat ice cream without gaining an inch. It seems that if you even look at ice cream, your waistline grows. It feels as though it’s easier for women to gain weight, and it may be harder to lose weight, too. Here’s why and what to do.
6 Common Illnesses and How to Avoid Spreading Them
As fall and winter draw closer, we want to review some steps you can take to avoid spreading some common respiratory viruses. Not to mention, these steps protect you, as well.
STIs 101: Symptoms, Treatments, and Risks
Have you thought about STIs since high school health class? If not, it may be time to brush up on the basics, including their symptoms, treatments, risk factors, and prevention.
Here’s What to Expect at Your Upcoming Physical
Carving out time for a doctor's visit when you feel fine is a huge accomplishment. Now that your annual exam is on the books, here’s a sneak peek at what happens during this crucial visit.