London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Tottenham 1925
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham]
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lonisation are those in which sepsis alone, in an accessible area is responsible
for keeping up the discharge. In these cases zinc ionisation
is so effective that often one application is found to be sufficient to bring
about complete cessation of the discharge.
When the sepsis is in an inaccessible area such as the mastoid antrum
or attic, operation in hospital is usually required. In most cases it is
possible, at the first visit, to decide on the extent of the area involved,
but in some, owing to generalised inflammation of the tissues this is
impossible. However, after zinc ionisation has been carried out we find
that the generalised redness and swelling of the tissues of the tympanum
subside, leaving localised evidence at one part pointing to the seat of
the disease. It is then possible to make an accurate diagnosis and to
send cases requiring operation, to hospital, without delay.
Table No. 1-This Table expresses in General Terms the Various Conditions found, and the Treatment they require.
| Cause of Chronicity. | Treatment. | |
|---|---|---|
| I | . Accessible Sepsis, e.g. Tympanic Sepsis | Zinc Ionisation with, or without, Boracic Powder Insufflation. For slight cases, Boracic Powder is often sufficient. |
| II. | Accessible Sepsis with Second Factor in Ear, e.g., Polypus | Remove Second Factor, then Ionise Ear. |
| III. | Accessible Sepsis with Inflammation in a neighbouring organ, e.g., Rhinitis | Treat neighbouring organ, and Ionise Ear. |
| IV. | Inaccessible Sepsir, e.g., cavity in Mastoid opening directly into Tympanum. Attio Disease, Chronic Mastoiditis | Use special instrument to gain access :— |
TABLE No. 2.—An analysis is given of the causes of chronicity and
of the results of treatment, as well as a summary of the number of ears,
under the various headings.