24 Hour Accident & Emergency (A&E) Clinic

Abdominal pain, more commonly known as stomach ache, is described as pain between the chest and pelvic regions. Abdominal pain can be achy, crampy, dull, sharp or intermittent. Common causes of abdominal pain include trapped wind, indigestion, overeating, stomach flu, or a viral or bacterial infection.

Stomach aches are particularly common in children, even small changes in diet or bowel habits may result in mild pain. Other common causes include constipation, an upset stomach, ear infection, urinary tract infections, onset of periods or strep throat. Usually, a child with stomach pain that is not accompanied by any other symptoms, which subsequently disappears in 3 hours or less, will not require immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your pain is sudden or severe and lasts for more than an hour, or comes and goes for more than 24 hours
• you feel pressure or pain in your chest
• you can’t stop vomiting, or there is blood in your vomit
• you pass bloody or black stools
• you have diarrhoea
• you cannot eat or drink for hours
• you have a fever higher than 39 degree Celsius
• you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes
• you have difficulty breathing

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• vomits continuously and is unable to keep down any fluids
• has green vomit
• has blood in vomit or stools
• has large amounts of watery diarrhoea for more than 8 – 10 times a day
• has drowsiness or increased lethargy
• has severe or prolonged episodes of abdominal pain which gets increasingly
• worse or is localised in one particular area
• has unexplained fever
• displays signs of dehydration such as poor urine output, dry lips or tongue, sunken eyes
• has severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea lasting beyond 2 weeks
• experiences pain when urinating, has blood in their urine, or is urinating more frequently than usual

Here’s what you can do before arriving at the A&E (for adult and child):

• Take frequent sips of water to stay hydrated unless you suspect you have appendicitis
• Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these can worsen the pain.
• Monitor your diet and avoid foods that you are sensitive or allergic to
• Eat smaller meals to avoid indigestion
• Place a hot water bottle or warm compress on your abdomen. Be careful not to scald yourself
• For severe pain, you may take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol. Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs unless otherwise advised by a doctor

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. There are hundreds of cold viruses, but the symptoms are often similar: a blocked or runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, sneezing and a cough.

The flu is typically more serious than a cold, and is accompanied by a fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly, are more intense and last longer than colds. The flu is highly contagious and can spread easily at work or in school. In children, the flu is often accompanied by vomiting and stomach pain. This means it is not always easy to tell if your child has the flu. In rare cases, it can lead to a sinus infection, ear infection or pneumonia.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you have persistent high fever (higher than 38 degree Celsius) lasting for 5 days or more
• you have shortness of breath
• you have persistent cough or vomitting
• you have trouble swallowing
• you have chills
• you have worsening symptoms
• you have worsening symptoms

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has unresolved cough for more than 4 weeks
• has fever for more than 1 week
• has hard or fast breathing or is wheezing
• has skin that is turning blueish or grey
• has ear pain
• has extreme fussiness
• has a lack of appetite
• has unusual drowsiness or lethargy and is not responding like normal
• has poor fluid intake or reduced urine
• has severe symptoms such as headache or cough
• is cranky or shows extreme irritability
• has a seizure
• has symptoms that fail to improve or worsen with time

Here’s what you can do before arriving at the A&E (for adult and child):

• Wear comfortable clothing and bring a jacket with you
• Rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Consume warm liquids such as chicken or beef bone broth
• Take painkillers/antipyretics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the child has no drug allergy. Aspirin should not be given
• Cool your body by taking cold showers
• Massage vapour rubs onto chest and neck to ease breathing difficulties
• Take warm showers or baths to soothe muscle aches and soreness
• Take over-the-counter cough syrup, nasal decongestants, and lozenges to relieve symptoms

Small cuts, scrapes and bruises that damage the skin are common, especially in children.

If you or your child bump into something, small blood vessels under the skin may burst, forming a reddish mark that turns dark blue or purple after a few hours. This is a bruise. After a few days, it may turn yellowish and then disappear completely.

If the skin is pierced, treat the wound at home by rinsing the cut under clean running water to remove any dirt or debris. After using an antiseptic solution or cream to deter infection, gently pat the area dry with a clean swab and apply a plaster or bandage to keep it clean.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• the cut is deep and the bleeding won’t stop
• you develop an infection, ie. a fever, as well as swelling, pain, or pus in the wound
• you have been hit on the head
• you feel dizzy, nauseous or faint

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has a deep cut and the bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure
• has a wound that is gaping or spurting blood
• has a foreign object inside the body

A body temperature over 37.4°C is considered a fever. This can be caused by an infection or illness, or by overheating or dehydration. It may be accompanied by a headache, body aches, shivering, sweating or weakness, and a hot, flushed face.

More rarely, a fever may be caused by a bacterial infection, such as scarlet fever, urinary tract infection, pneumonia or meningitis.

Anyone with a fever should stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. If your child has a fever, sponging them with lukewarm water may also help to bring the fever down. Avoid ice-cold baths or showers, and don’t give your child any medication until you have spoken to your GP or paediatrician.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are struggling to breathe (especially in children)
• you experience severe chest pain
• you have a severe headache
• you are coughing up blood
• you had a seizure or fits, coupled with fever
• you are pregnant
• you have recently been to Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East
• you just has surgery or a medical procedure
• you get an infection often
• you are on chemotherapy and your oral temperature goes above 38ºC for more than 1 hour
• you are taking steroids and medicines used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant
• you have diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lupus, or sickle cell anaemia
• you have fever coupled with 1 or more of the following:
• Rash
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache or neck pain
• Seizure or confusion
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
• Severe pain in the belly, back, or sides

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has a temperature exceeding 40°C
• is limp, unresponsive or has trouble breathing
• is vomiting, with a stiff neck or severe headache
• has blueish lips or mottling of skin
• has a bruise-like rash that does not disappear when pressed
• has a seizure

Here’s what you can do before arriving at the A&E (for adult and child):

• Dress in comfortable, lightweight clothing.
• Apply cold compresses to your neck, armpits, or forehead.
• Drink water or suck on ice chips to replenish fluids lost through sweat. For young children, an electrolyte solution is recommended.
• Adults may take fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Children should be given the correct dosage of paracetamol based on their age and weight.
  
  (Note: Do not give aspirin to children and teenagers, or ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age.)

There are several reasons why you might have a headache, including stress, lack of sleep, the flu, sinus problems, hunger, dehydration or allergies. Usually, an occasional mild headache is not a cause for concern. Rest until the pain goes away and take pain medication recommended by your GP or pharmacist.

Children commonly get a headache if they have an illness, infection or a fever, or if they are straining their eyes. More rarely, your child may suffer from migraines. This is more common if you or someone else in your family also has a history of migraines.

If the headache pain is sudden or severe, or the result of a head injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are slurring your speech
• your limbs feel weak or numb
• you have a stiff neck
• you have a seizure
• your headache feels like a thunderclap, or the worst you’ve had in your life

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• experiences loss of vision
• can’t stop vomiting
• has weak muscles, or is unresponsive
• has a severe headache located in the back of the head

Hives cause an itchy, red rash, which typically appears in a localised area of the body, but may spread across a larger area. Outbreaks can last for a few hours, days or months. There is not always an obvious cause, but it may be caused by stress, an insect bite or an allergic reaction.

Itching hives can make them worse and cause an infection. Instead, try to keep the skin cool by applying an ice pack, taking cool showers, and wearing loose and light clothes. If your child has hives and their symptoms gradually get worse, seek medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your eyes, lips, tongue or throat are swollen
• you are struggling to breathe or swallow
• you experience stomach pain or diarrhoea

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• develops sudden, severe hives after an insect sting, new medication, or new or highly allergenic food, eg. milk or peanuts
• is struggling to breathe or swallow

A swollen, itchy, red mark on the skin is normally an insect bite. In both adults and children, these tend to clear up on their own after a few days and rarely require medical attention, except in the event of an allergic reaction.

Applying an ice pack can help to bring down swelling. Try to avoid scratching the area as it may cause an infection.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you have been stung 3 or more times, or in the mouth area
• other parts of your body feel itchy, such as your face
• you are struggling to breathe
• you feel nauseous, are vomiting or have diarrhoea
• your heart is beating very fast
• you feel giddy, agitated or confused
• your skin has gone very pale

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has sudden, severe hives
• has a swollen face
• is struggling to breathe
• feels dizzy or faint
• has had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite
• has an infection, ie. the affected area is oozing or growing larger

A scald is caused by steam, hot liquids or chemicals, while a burn is caused by fire and hot metal. Both are fairly common household injuries, but may require urgent medical attention if they are severe or large.

There are typically 3 types of burns: first-degree, second-degree and third-degree. First-degree burns are red and sore, second-degree burns are blistered, and third-degree burns are white and leathery. Always seek immediate medical treatment for third-degree burns.

To treat a mild burn or scald at home, remove all your or your child’s clothing surrounding the area, unless it is stuck to the wound. Immediately pour cool water over the area for at least 10 minutes (do not use ice or iced water). Cover the burn with non-stick gauze.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your burn spans an area bigger than your hand
• you have been burnt in the nose, mouth, throat, eyes, ears or genital area
• you have been burnt by chemicals, electricity or lightning
• your skin is white, leathery or charred

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has a burn that is oozing or appears infected

Nausea is an unpleasant, sometimes painful sensation in the stomach that may make you feel like you need to vomit. Common causes include viral infections, motion sickness, an allergy, pregnancy or overeating. More rarely, nausea can be a sign of intestinal blockage, concussion or a head injury.

If you do vomit, it is important to stay hydrated and avoid eating anything heavy until you can hold food down.

It is common for children to vomit occasionally, and the likely cause is a stomach bug. If your child vomits, keep a close eye on them. If they appear otherwise normal, ensure they drink plenty of water and eat some light, plain food. If they are limp, unresponsive or irritable, seek medical attention immediately.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you also have a severe stomach, chest, belly pains or headache
• you also have a fever higher than 38ºC
• you are vomiting after a head injury
• you throw up blood or substance that looks like coffee grounds
• you have a bowel movement with blood, or a bowel movement that is black like tar
• you have a severe headache or stiff neck
• you feel very tired or have trouble getting up
• you are severely dehydrated, eg. you feel very thirsty, giddy or have a dry mouth. Signs of dehydration include:
• Feeling very tired
• Being very thirsty, or having a dry mouth or tongue
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Urine that is dark yellow, or not needing to urinate for more than 5 hours

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• is repeatedly vomiting and unable to hold down fluids
• is dehydrated (cranky, low energy, peeing less)
• has green or bloody vomit
• has been vomiting for several days
• has a stiff neck, headache and a rash

Here’s what you can do before arriving at the A&E (for adult and child):

• Bring a disposable vomit bag with you.
• Rest either sitting up or propped in a lying position with your head elevated.
• Do not force yourself to eat.
• Take small sips of water slowly and avoid any caffeinated or carbonated drinks. If you can keep fluids down, try an oral rehydration solution to replace electrolytes lost through vomiting.
• Avoid fatty and oily food.

Nosebleeds occur when the fragile blood vessels in the nose burst. This can be caused by anything from dry air, frequent nose blowing or sneezing to an allergic reaction or injury to the nose.

Nosebleeds can be light or heavy, involve one or both nostrils, and can last for seconds or sometimes minutes. If you have a nosebleed, sit down, lean forward and pinch your nose above the nostrils until the bleeding stops. If your child has a nosebleed, do this for them.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your nosebleed is caused by an injury, such as being punched or hit by an object
• your nosebleed won’t stop after 20 minutes

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has put a foreign object up their nose
• is also bleeding from somewhere else, eg. the gums
• has severe body bruising
• has a headache, or feels weak and dizzy

An inflammation of the eye is known as conjunctivitis. Common causes of the condition include bacteria or virus, or an allergic reaction to smoke, pollen or dust. The infected eye will be red, and probably feel itchy and sore. A yellow discharge may cause eyelashes to stick together, the eyelids may swell, and it may feel like there is something resembling sand stuck in the eye itself.

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so if you or your child has it, try not to touch the infected eye directly. Wash your hands often, especially before eating. Keep your child home from school or day care until symptoms fully disappear.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your vision is affected, eg. your eyes are blurry or sensitive to light
• your eyes have encountered chemicals

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• is a newborn baby with conjunctivitis

Dengue fever is a virus transmitted through mosquito bites from an infected female Aedes mosquito. It cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.

Symptoms usually appear 4 – 10 days after the mosquito bite. In the case of mild dengue fever, symptoms include a sudden high fever (40°C and higher), rash, fatigue, backaches and severe body aches, bones and joints, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, headaches and swollen glands. Most people take around a week to recover. If you have been bitten by a mosquito and experience these symptoms, it is best to visit a doctor and seek medical attention. Bleeding in the skin (bruising), urine or in the stool may be a sign of a severe complication of dengue fever and should warrant a prompt medical assessment.

Dengue fever in children may start with a sore throat, cough, mild rash or fever. Dengue fever in young kids can present with febrile fits (seizure-like activity associated with rapidly changing body temperature). Generally, dengue fever symptoms are milder in children than in adults.

However, it is important for parents to pay special attention to possible symptoms of dengue fever in infants, as they may be difficult to recognise and appear similar to other childhood infections. Infants under the age of 1 are especially at risk of developing severe cases of dengue fever.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your infant:

• has a fever (above 38°C) or a low temperature (less than 36°C); and
• displays a lack of energy and sleepiness
• is vomiting (more than 3 times in the span of 24 hours)
• has rashes
• is bleeding through the gums or nose
• has unusual bruising

In some cases, dengue fever may be severe and symptoms may worsen. Severe dengue fever can be life-threatening. This happens when blood vessels become damaged and leak blood plasma. Platelet count and blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels, leading to shock and in some cases, death.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if you or your child:

• has severe abdominal pain
• has persistent vomiting with dehydration
• is vomiting blood
• has bloody stools
• is bleeding from the nose or gums
• has rapid or difficult breathing
• experience giddiness or fainting spells

Here’s what you can do before arriving at the A&E (for adult and child):

• If experiencing fever, bring temperature down through sponging with a soaked cloth and take mild medication like paracetamol. Avoid using aspirin or ibuprofen, as they may increase the likelihood of bleeding.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. They are very common, and typically don’t last longer than 24 or 48 hours. Symptoms include a burning sensation when passing urine, stomach pain, blood in the urine and the urge to urinate more frequently than normal. To help rid your body of the infection, drink lots of water and visit the bathroom whenever you feel the urge.

In children, a UTI is likely to go away quickly with early medical treatment. However, ignoring the symptoms of a UTI for too long can result in sepsis, a serious infection that spreads through the body. This is a more common complication in premature and newborn babies, and young infants.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you have a severe pain or tenderness in your back or side
• you have a severe fever
• you feel nauseous or are vomiting

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• has strange-smelling urine
• has an unexplained fever
• is vomiting or not eating

Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic illness in children. Its symptoms vary, but may include frequent or chronic coughing spells, wheezing, a tight chest, lack of energy, rapidness or shortness of breath.

If your child has any of these symptoms, it is especially important that they get a proper diagnosis to rule out other conditions and prescribe suitable medication.

Asthma can be triggered by exercise, pollens, moulds, air pollutants, pet allergies, dust mites and infections, although this also varies from person to person.

If you or your child is diagnosed with asthma and have an attack, staying calm will help to regulate breathing. Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• your symptoms get worse
• you don’t have your inhaler with you or you have not been prescribed one
• you don’t feel any better after using your inhaler or your prescribed medication

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your child:

• is struggling to breathe
• is constantly coughing
• can’t talk, eat or play
• is vomiting
• has blueish skin
• is convulsing or spasming while breathing

Uric acid naturally forms in the body, but too much of it may cause gout, a form of arthritis. Typically, it causes painful swelling in the big toe, ankles, heels or knees. More rarely, it causes swelling in other joints in the body. It is best to seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms.

Gout in children is rare. If a child or teenager has gout, it is important to determine the cause. Usually, it is because of another underlying condition that can be treated, such as kidney disease.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are experiencing severe pain
• you are having a high fever
• your GP refers you

If the room around you feels like it is spinning, this is known as vertigo. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movement or a ringing sensation in the ears. Common causes include an inner ear infection or migraine.

Young children may not be able to describe these symptoms, but may appear to be off balance or more clumsy than usual.

More rarely, vertigo is a sign of a neurological condition such as a stroke or meningitis.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

• you are finding it difficult to speak or swallow
• your face is drooping
• your arms and legs feel numb or weak
• you have difficulty maintaining balance
• you have recently sustained a neck injury