Self-diagnosis and treatment of health problems can be risky, so you should always seek professional medical help. Although we do give drug dosages in this section, they are for emergency use only. Correct diagnosis is vital.
An embassy, consulate or five-star hotel can usually recommend a local doctor or clinic. Antibiotics should ideally be admin¬istered only under medical supervision. Take only the recommended dose at the pre¬scribed intervals and use the whole course, even if the illness seems to be cured earlier. Stop immediately if there are any serious reactions and don't use the antibiotic at all if you are unsure that you have the correct one. Some people are allergic to commonly prescribed antibiotics such as penicillin or sulpha drugs; carry this information (eg on a bracelet) when travelling.
The best clinics and hospitals in Cam¬bodia are found in Phnom Penh  and Siem Reap (pi 14). A consultation usually costs in the region of US$20 plus medicine. Elsewhere, facilities are more basic, although a private clinic is usually prefer¬able to a government hospital Where pos¬sible, return to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and get a professional opinion there, or for serious injuries or illnesses, seek treatment in Bangkok.

EVERYDAY HEALTH

Normal body temperature is up to 37°C (98.6'F); more than 2°C (4°F) higher indi¬cates a high fever. The normal adult pulse rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (children 80 to 100. babies 100 to 140). As a general rule, the pulse increases about 20 beats per minute for each 1°C (2°F) rise in fever.
Respiration (breathing) rate is also an indi¬cator of illness. Count the number of breaths per minute: between 12 and 20 is normal for adults and older children (up to 30 for younger children, 40 for babies). People with a high fever or serious respiratory illness breathe more quickly than normal. More than 40 shallow breaths a minute may indicate pneumonia.