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from the space behind the nose to the ear (the Eustachian tube)
also becomes inflamed, and the inflammation extends to the ear.
If the inflammation is severe, suppuration and perforation of
the drum membrane takes place, and discharge appears in the
external ear. If the inflammation is less severe, no perforation
in the drum membrane occurs, but the fluid poured out as a
result of the inflammation acts as a "blanket," which prevents
the patient hearing properly.
Prom this short resume, it will be seen how important it is
to prevent and to treat colds in the head in children.
Dr. Gautier of Paris, has devised a treatment for inflammation
in the nose which can be applied easily in the clinic, or in the
nursery school or in some cases by the mothers at home, which
he calls Diastolisation.
It consists in inserting into the nose along its floor, soft
hollow tapering rubber tubes closed at the end which enters the
nose. The gentle stimulation of the mucous membrane covering
the inflamed tissues causes a contraction of the blood vessels and
the swelling shrinks. There is now a space in the nose, and when
the tube is withdrawn, the patient can blow his nose and expel
the retained secretion. He obtains much relief. Not only does
the swelling of the tissues in the nose diminish, but the inflamed
adenoid mass behind the nose shrinks and the tube leading to the
ear opens.
The exudation of fluid blanketing the ear, in those cases which
have not gone on to suppuration, is got rid of, and the child's
hearing is restored. The treatment is easily carried out, and is
nearly always painless. The writer considers it of great economic
importance.
A word or two may be said about the treatment of those cases
in which suppuration has occurred with a perforation in the drum
membrane and discharge externally. During the acute stage
following the onset of inflammation, glycerine ear drops are
poured into the ear till the ear passage is full. Owing to its sticky
nature, the liquid remains in the ear for a considerable time,
and prevents the growth and multiplication in the ear of the
germs present on his skin or hair in contact with the discharge.
The recovery of the patient is due to his natural resistance, and
it is advisable to take care not to add to his difficulties. He
should be kept warm, and in most cases at home. In a week
or ten days the germs which developed in his nose and caused
the cold to spread to his ear will be banished and the discharge
will cease.