□ PILES (HEMORRHOIDS)
These are varicose veins of the rectum. They may be caused by constipation. They feel like little lumps or balls when they prolapse out of the anus during defecation or permanently. They cause bleeding per rectum when passing stools. They are painful when they get thrombosed. When a hemorrhoid begins to bleed, the person develops anemia due to chronic blood loss.
First-aid
1. Give diet rich in fiber.
2. Give plenty of fluids orally.
3. Give a laxative like isapgol or liquid paraffin at bed time. A glycerine suppository or an enema of soap or liver oil may also be used.
4. Give Sitz bath to get relief from pain. Make him sit in a tub filled with warm water to which some potassium permanganate has been added.
5. Send him to a doctor immediately.
□ RETENTION OF URINE
It is an inability to pass urine collected in the urinary bladder and may be caused by any of the following conditions.
1. Enlargement of prostate in an elderly male.
2. Trauma to the urethra of a male, e.g. after fall astride a hard object.
3. Lying down in bed.
4. Pelvic tumors pressing on the urethra.
First-aid
1. Apply hot water bags over lower part of abdomen.
2. Make him hear sound of running water.
3. Pour some cold water on his penis.
4. Make him sit in a hot water tub.
5. Shift him to a hospital immediately if these measures fail.
□ MOTION SICKNESS
Motion sickness is an illness characterized by nausea and vomiting due to hypersensitivity to movement. It is due to a disturbance in the equilibrium center. It occurs during travel by ship, plane, bus, car, or train.
First-aid
1. Ask him to avoid eating or drinking too much before or during the journey.
2. Give him an antiemetic before starting the journey.
INSOMNIA
It is a condition characterized by an inability to sleep and may be caused by mental tensions, bad food habits, and excessive tiredness.
First aid
1. Ask him to take adequate exercise during the day.
2. Give a glass of warm milk before going to bed.
3. Ask him to take a warm bath before going to bed.
4. A sleeping pill may be given if prescribed by a doctor.
□ GLARE IN EYES
It is produced by seeing welding with naked eyes, looking at the sun directly, and looking at reflected light from polished surfaces or ice. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is an inability to open eyes in bright light (photophobia).
2. There is pain in the eyes.
3. The eyes are swollen and red.
First aid
1. Give rest to the eyes.
2. Apply cold compresses to the closed eyes.
Prevention
1. Use sunglasses while going out in the sun.
2. Do not look at the sun.
3. Do not look at welding light. Use welding screens to protect your eyes while welding.