HEALTH NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 March 1930, Page 8

HEALTH NOTES

CHILDREN'S EARS ADVICE TO PARENTS (Contributed by the Department of Health.) Discharging Ears: Discharge from the ears nearly always indicates a serious condition and should receive prompt medical attention. The earlier proper treatment is obtained the greater the chance of cure. If the discharge is allowed to continue untreated chronic disease of the bones of the ear and deafness will result. Even if the discharge has lasted many years it may suddenly cause death by spreading to the brain. If your child has a discharging ear consult a doctor at, onco and follow his directions accurately. If your child complains of severe pain and tenderness of the bone at the back of the ear (especially tenderness when the bone is tapped) consult a doctor at once. Never plug an ear with cottonwool unless specially told to do so by your doctor. The following instructions may help" you in carrying out homo treatment ordered by your "doctor. To Syringe a Discharging Ear: (1) Obtain an all-rubber bulb ear-syringe. Roil it for a few minutes each time before use. (2) Warm the boracic lotion or other lotion ordered by your doctor. [ This is best done by standing the bottlo (after loosening the cork) in hot water. Be careful to have the lotion warm but not hot. (3) Give the child a saucer or small basin to hold under the ear. (4) Fill the syringe. (5) Stand slightly behind the child. (6) Pull the lobe of the ear outwards and slightlv upwards. (7) Insert the nozzle of the syringe lightly into the ear holes leaving plenty of room for the lotion to runout and press the bulb firmly but gently. (8) Repeat till free 'of discharge. • - To Wipe out or Dry a Discharging Ear: Take a small wisp' of cotton wool; thin it by pulling it out loosely; twist into a loose cone; insert the narrow end into the ear and twist it round gently. Use as many wisps as are needed to soak up all visible moisture. To jmt Drops or Lotion into an Ear: (1) Warm the drops or lotion by standing the bottle in a cup of hot water (after loosening the cork); be careful not to allow it to get too hot. (2) Let the child lay its head on a table or pillow with the affected ear uppermost. (3) Put a little of the warmed drops or lotion into a warmed teaspoon. (4) Pull the lobe of the ear outwards and slightly upwards. (5) Pour in the drops or lotion. (6) Repeat according to directions, allowing each lot to run out before pouring in more. N.B.—Hydrogen peroxide is often ordered for use as an ear lotion. Warm it and use in the manner described above. If there is any discharge present it_ bubbles and "froths up when poured into the car. Do not bo alarmed at this; wait till the frothing nearly ceases; allow any remaining liquid to run out; then put in some more. Repeat till no further frothing occurs. Finally dry out the ear carefully. The treatment of a discharging ear may have to be continued for many months. Do not be discouraged. Do not leave off treatment. Wax in the Ears: Many children suffer from deafness to some degree owing to the presence of excess of wax in the ears. In all cases of doubt obtain medical advice. When it is necessary to remove wax from the ears proceed as advised above as to syringing a discharging ear, using for the lotion, however, a solution of sodium bicarbonate (1 level teaspoon to a tea cup of warm water), and continuing until the ear is free from wax.