Self-care instructions in sudden health problems
The Emergency Hub's self-care instructions are intended to support self-care in sudden health problems. In addition, they help to assess when it is necessary to seek advice from a health care professional. The self-care instructions have been produced in collaboration with the Duodecim Terveyskirjasto.
32 results
Allergic symptoms
Allergic reactions are caused by sensitivity to an allergen. Most often allergic reactions, for instance runny nose or eye symptoms, are triggered by pollens, animal dandruff, flour or chemicals...
Burns and scalds
A burn or scald means tissue damage caused by heat or a corrosive substance. The most common cause of scalds is hot water. The most important first aid measure is to cool the injured area. Small...
Cold sores (herpes simplex)
Cold sores are a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, and they usually appear around the area of the mouth, lips or face. The symptoms are easy to identify and cold sores usually...
Common cold (flu)
A cold is a very common disease caused by different viruses. A common cold is usually diagnosed by its symptoms and only very seldom requires any other treatment but self-care. It is quite usual...
Constipation
Constipation refers to bowel not emptying normally. Lifestyle may cause constipation. Constipation seldom requires hospital treatment and you can relieve the condition at home.
Usually, a healthy...
Cough
Cough is a common symptom of the flu which may take two to three weeks to cure. Symptoms can be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids. A cough associated with a cold may be caused by acute...
Cuts
Typical cuts and grazes are areas of damage on the surface of the skin or mucus membranes induced by an external factor. Superficial cuts are not normally considered dangerous, but deep cuts may...
Earache
Often the reason for earache is mucus in your middle ear after blowing your nose, and air pressure, which makes your eardrum bulge. Earache may be caused by an acute ear infection or some other...
Eye infection
An eye infection may be caused by various reasons. One of the most common is conjunctivitis, which is brought on by a virus, bacteria or allergy. Mild conjunctivitis often clears up on its own...
Food poisoning
Food poisoning, i.e. a sudden inflammation of the bowel, is a very common food- and waterborne disease. The symptoms are caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoans or toxins. Food poisoning usually...
Frostbite
A local frostbite occurs, when a body part is exposed to the cold and the temperature drops so low that water in the tissues starts to freeze. The extent of a frostbite is difficult to estimate...
Head lice
The head louse is a wingless human parasite, a couple of millimetres in size, feeds on human blood and multiplies fast. Head lice live in the hair and spread from one person to another in close...
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning pain or discomfort felt in the middle of the chest. it is a common symptom associated often with meals. You can alleviate heartburn with home remedies.
Usually, heartburn...
Hiccups
Hiccups are caused by a sudden and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. The actual reason for hiccups is not known. Hiccups usually last only a few minutes and there are few tricks to stop it...
Hives
Hives (urticaria or nettle rash) are a common skin reaction, but the cause often remains unknown. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to alleviate the symptoms.The condition is considered acute...
Hyperventilation or overbreathing
When a person hyperventilates, they breathe more rapidly than they should. Due to rapid deep breaths more carbon dioxide is exhaled than produced in the body. Excessive reduction of carbon dioxide...
Insect bites and stings
Bites and stings of flying insects may cause skin symptoms and hypersensitivity reactions. The severity of reactions from bites and stings vary. Symptoms may be alleviated by self-care. An insect...
Muscle sprains and cramps
Muscle sprains and cramps often occur under similar circumstances. The symptoms are typically triggered by long-term exertion or excessive stress and strain. Muscle sprains and cramps can be...
Nosebleed
Nosebleeds originate in the blood vessels in the nasal mucous membranes and are usually induced by a mechanical factor. Nosebleeds don’t always have an obvious cause. You can try to stop the...
Pain in legs and feet
Pain in the lower limbs may be caused by a number of reasons, which vary according to age, weight, illnesses and daily activities. Often pain in the lower limbs resolves with rest and self-care...
Panic attack
A panic attack is a sudden onset of severe anxiety or fear, typically with also physical symptoms. Panic attacks are unpleasant and may be frightening. However, the attack is not dangerous and will...
Pinworm infection
Pinworm is a human parasitic worm and occurs worldwide. Pinworm infection is not dangerous but it may cause an epidemic in families, nurseries or schools. Pinworm infection can be treated with...
Redness of the eye
Redness of the eye is a common symptom which may have a number of causes. Red eyes occur when blood vessels become enlarged or there is bleeding. When the cause of redness is clear and unambiguous...
Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a blistery rash on your skin caused by the chickenpox virus. Take over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the symptoms.After a childhood chickenpox infection the...
Sore throat
Sore throat normally refers to pain and ache in the pharynx and throat. Reasons for soreness may be manifold. Most common reasons include a throat infection and dry mucous membranes. You can...
Sunburned skin
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can bronze or burn your skin. The risk of burning depends on your skin type and the strength of UV radiation (UV index). Sunburns are treated just as any other minor...
Sunstroke and hyperthermia
Sunstroke is a form of the body overheating, where mainly the head is exposed to direct heat stress. Prevention, cooling and sufficient hydration are the best cures.
There is a high risk of...
Ticks
A tick (Ixodes ricinus) is an arachnid a few millimetres long and dark in colour; it bites people and feeds on blood. Ticks may spread diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), tularaemia...
Toothache
Toothache is usually caused by caries. The severity of symptoms may range from a mild twinge to unbearable throbbing pain. Toothache can be relieved by self-care, but the cause of ache has to be...
Vaginal thrush
Vaginal thrush is a common problem, usually diagnosed by its symptoms. However, similar symptoms can be experienced with other conditions, too, and therefore caution with self-care is advisable...
Varicose veins
Varicose veins refer to venous insufficiency in the lower limbs causing swelling and superficially varicosed veins. Symptoms caused by venous insufficiency can be relieved by self-care. Venous...
Warts and verrucas
Warts and verrucas are benign lumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which usually they appear on hands and feet. Warts and verrucas will eventually disappear with time and...