2. Define
Minor ailments indicate slight
illnesses it also includes
emergencies of smaller nature.
Sometimes illness may be acute,
which needs immediate care, or it
may be chronic one, which requires
long treatment and continuous
supervision but associated minor
complications need the help of
nurse.
3. Principles of Managing Minor Ailments
๏ฑEnsure a safe and healthful environment for patient.
๏ฑTreat the risk/injured person promptly to prevent any possible complication.
๏ฑ In cases of infectious diseases, take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
๏ฑ Keep the continuous watch over the patientsโ condition and vital signs during the entire period of care.
๏ฑHelp the patient to get well as soon as possible and in his Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
๏ฑ Use the opportunities of health education during the care.
๏ฑAlways remember the limitations in providing treatment or follow the physicianโs instructions.
๏ฑ Help the family members in coping with the situation and prepare them for taking care of sick at home.
๏ฑRespect the beliefs of patient, if he has used some other therapy for treatment of his ailment.
๏ฑ In case of serious conditions or doubt about diagnosis and prognosis, refer the patient without any
delay.
4. Classification of Minor Ailments
Minor ailments can be classified broadly, under two headings:
(I) General Minor Ailments: It includes common accidents and emergencies which
need immediate first aid. In this category, injuries and falls, factures, burns, dog bite,
high fever, heart stroke, diarrhea, fainting etc. can be kept.
(II) Systemic Minor Ailment: It includes the smaller ailments which affect the various
systems of the body. Some of them are enlisted here:
5. Eye: Eye accidents, foreign bodies, infections, poor eyesight, dry eyes, blindness etc.
Ear: Earache, foreign body is ear, otitis media, discharge from ear, temporary deafness etc.
Respiratory Tract: Allergic rhinitis/common cold, sinusitis, sore throat, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, asthmatic attack etc.
Cardiovascular system:: Hypertension, anaemia, Rheumatic heart disease, etc.
Digestive system: Toothache, stomatitis, soreness in mouth, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, abdominal
distension and pain, intestinal obstruction, haemorrhoids etc.
Urinary system:Burning micturition, retention of urine, urinary infection, renal stones.
Neuromuscular system: Headache backache, convulsions, epileptic fits etc.
Reproductive System: Dysmenorrhoea, heavy Bleeding, sores and discharges from genitals, breastlump etc.
6. Along with above ailments,
behavioral problems like
maladjustment or emotional
disturbances etc. may also be
included in the category of minor
ailments. These all require proper
diagnosis and appropriate
management.
7. Management of Minor
Ailments
Following general steps may be helpful in the
management of minor ailments:
(I) Assessment
- Taking the history
- Performing quick physical examination
(II) Finding the cause, making the diagnosis and
planning for care.
(III) Providing treatment and nursing care.
(IV) Evaluating the care and condition of the patient
- If outcome is successful, plan for follow-up
- If condition of patient does not improve or serious
signs appear, refer the patient for needful.
