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287
The incidence of chronic otitis media amongst school children
is surprisingly high. Ascertainment is difficult on account of the
intermittent nature of the discharge, and even if the quiescent
case is discovered, in most cases no treatment is indicated at the
moment although, of course, the importance of immediate notification
of a recurrence can be impressed on the parents. But it
is not in the ascertainment and treatment of the chronic case that
the rational method lies of dealing with the problem of otorrhoea.
The chronic case is difficult to cure permanently, and, once
chronicity is established, deafness and cranial complications are
very definite possibilities. The chief hope lies in the notification
and treatment of early cases. At present, education of parents
to notice otorrhoea, to realise its significance, and to seek advice,
is the only method of improving matters. On the part of the
medical profession there is an obligation to respond by offering
immediate adequate treatment. The Ionization Clinic will not be
functioning properly until early cases can be dealt with at once
without prejudice to other cases on the waiting list and until a
proper system of reinspection and treatment of relapses is in
being.
Probably our efforts to prevent and cure naso-pharyngeal
sepsis and blockage are having their effect in lessening the
incidence of otorrhoea, but cases arising from acute infections will
always occur. These can be much more hopefully dealt with if
undertaken in the early stages.
Under the arrangement with the Borough Hospital 10 postscarlatinal
oases were seen at the Clinic during the year. Of these,
5 were already dry when examined, 1 cleaned up without special
treatment, 2 after one ionization, and 1 after two ionizations,
one stopped attendance during treatment.
The table showing the results of ionization includes all cases
to the end of 1931. The percentage dry at the various periods
are much the same as in last year's report and, bearing in mind
the type of cases and the rigid criteria of cure, are satisfactory.
The difficulty of preserving a high percentage of dry cases was
Pointed out in last year's report.
Some cases which had remained dry until now are active
again as a result of Influenza, which is again tending to manifest
itself in the ear in both children and adults.
1931. 1930.
Number of sessions held 52 51
Number of first attendances 136 95
Number of re-attendances 442 475