This is a rare disease, but it may occur when one eye is injured or diseased and on the first indication of trouble in the injured eye the other eye should be closely watched for symptoms of sympathetic trouble so that if can be removed.
Symptoms in the Exciting Eye.—This is more or less congested and painful; when pressure is made upon the upper lid, it shows tenderness. The tension is not as strong; the pupil may be blocked with an exudate.
In the Sympathizing Eye.—There is an inflammation involving the choroid, ciliary body and iris. There is pain, tenderness, small blocked pupil and sight is poor.
Course.—It usually appears between the third week and the sixth month after the original injury. "The extreme limits are two weeks and twenty years." The sound eye is likely to be attacked when the exciting eye is in a state of active inflammation.
Treatment.—The "exciting eye" should be enucleated (taken out) before any signs of sympathetic inflammation appears in the healthy eye. If it has appeared, enucleation will be of no value; at all events if there is vision in the exciting eye, the operation should not be done then.
INFLAMMATION OF THE RETINA FROM BRIGHT'S DISEASE (Albuminuric Retinitis).—The retina is a very delicate structure and we are often able to diagnose Bright's disease from the peculiar effect it produces upon the retina.
Causes.—The cause is usually Bright's disease, (nephritis) and usually the chronic Interstitial variety. Pregnancy causes it sometimes. Interference of the vision, sight, is what the patient complains of. This may be very slight, when you consider the great changes occurring in the retina. Such patients are subject to attacks of temporary blindness of uremic origin. The vessels of the retina are swollen and tortuous. Bleeding and shining white patches are scattered through the back part of the eye and a peculiar arrangement of glistening white dots around the yellow spot. This disease shows itself late in Bright's disease and the patient is not likely to live more than two years after the appearance of this eye lesion.
Treatment.—It sometimes occurs during pregnancy. Then the question of inducing premature labor arises. There is no local treatment that can be of any use when it is caused by Bright's disease.
FITTING GLASSES.—This is done by lenses and prisms, etc.
Lens.—A lens is made of glass and prisms graded in strength, one surface curved, and has the power of refracting or changing the direction of the rays of light. A prism is wedge-shaped and bends rays of light towards its base. A great many people are troubled with their eyes, much more than years ago. We even see little children wearing glasses. It is unfortunate, but true, that even more children and grown people should wear them. Fitting glasses is an art in itself. It takes more ability to fit glasses well than it does to operate well. Poorly-fitted glasses are not only annoying to the wearer, but dangerous. Glasses rest the eyes, not tire them. When the eyes water and feel tired or strained, even after using them but little, glasses are needed. Headaches are frequently caused by the eye strain. When glasses are needed it does not pay to put off getting them and the person needing them should go to one competent to properly fit them. A great many eyes are hard to fit, and they need not only ability to fit them well, but time and attention must be given to fitting them properly.
SQUINT OR STRABISMUS.—Both lines of sight are not directed towards the same object of fixation.
Internal or Convergent Squint.—Where one eye is turned inward toward the nose.
External or Divergent Squint.—One eye turns outward toward the temple.Squinting upward and downward are uncommon.
Causes of Convergent (Internal) Squint.—It generally appears between two and five years; at first periodically, later constantly. The patient is generally far-sighted.
Treatment.—Internal squint in very young children may be treated by covering the well eye and forcing the child to use the other. When the child is old enough, proper glasses should be worn. Operation can be done when needed and is generally successful.
External (Divergent) Squint.—This may appear at any age and is often associated with near-sightedness. An operation is necessary and the tendons on both sides must generally be cut and properly placed. Parents should always attend to a child who has this trouble. The operation is not difficult to perform and it will not only, as a rule, give the child good sight, but better looks. Parents who are able to have an operation or glasses fitted when needed, and who neglect their children, should be punished; they are guilty not only of neglect, but cruelty.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Inflammation of the Eye. 1. Chickweed a Relief for.— "The juice of chickweed is good for inflammation of the eyes, when dropped into them."
2. Inflammation of Eyes, Sassafras, Excellent Remedy for.—"Take sassafras bark and make into a tea. Apply this externally to the eyes, and it will be found very beneficial for this trouble." This is a very good remedy, on account of its oily soothing nature.
3. Inflammation of Eyes, Tried Remedy for.—
Boric Acid 10 gramsCamphor Water (not spirits) 1/2 ounceWater 1/2 ounce
Apply this with a soft cloth.
This trouble usually results from or is associated with constitutional disease and requires treatment for same, but the above wash is good for local applications. This prescription was given me by an oculist."
4. Inflammation of Eyes, Common Potato Will Cure.—"Scrape raw potato and apply to the temple until relieved." This helps to draw the blood away and relieves the inflammation.
5. Inflammation of Eyes, Milk Curd Relieves.—"Make a curd of sweet milk; that is, set it on the stove till it forms a curd; then add quite a little alum and wash eyes." The milk is very soothing and the alum acts as an astringent. Care should be taken in using this remedy that none of the mixture gets into the eyes.
6. Inflammation of Eyes, Wild Hairs Cause.—"A few years ago, I had trouble with my eyes. They felt as though there was something in them scratching the eye-ball. I went to an eye specialist, and he gave me two little vials of medicine to drop into my eyes six times a day. I doctored with him several months, and while the medicine reduced the inflammation largely, it did not relieve the scratching sensation in the eyes. Then I was away from home for about ten days and did not use the medicine, and when I returned my eyes were very much inflamed, and very painful. I visited the doctor again, and he said I had a little ulcer on the eyeball, and he pulled out several hairs or winkers from the eyelid. I asked him if wild hairs were the cause of the ulcer and he admitted they were. After a few days' more treatment by the doctor I learned of a neighbor who understood a little about wild hairs in the eyelid and had him examine my eyes. He pulled out more wild hairs, and my eyes got well. Ever since then, when my eyes begin to hurt me as though there was some foreign substance in them, I go to my neighbor and he pulls out the wild hairs, and that was the trouble with my eyes. My experience in obtaining this knowledge cost me twenty dollars in fees to the eye specialist, which I could have saved by going to my neighbor at first,"
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—Sore Eyes. 1. Rose Leaves Rest.—"Steep rose leaves and apply often." Apply the leaves as a fomentation and relief will soon follow. This is very soothing and very easily applied.
2. Sore Eyes, Soothing Remedy for.—"Use a wash of borax and water. One-half teaspoonful to a cupful of water." This is very good.
3. Sore Eyes. Slippery Elm Excellent for.—"This is a very soothing dressing far the eyes. You can buy a small package of the slippery elm at any drug store, and prepare it by making a tea and using externally.
4. Sore Eyes, Common Remedy for.—"Use a wash night and morning of common table salt and water." This is often sold by druggists for 10 or 15 cents an ounce under a medical name.
5. Sore Eyes, Elder Berry Flowers Relieve.—"In a severe case of inflammation of the eyes apply a poultice of elderberry flowers; bathe the eyes with warm water and witch-hazel." This remedy was given by a mother who tried it a great many times and always had success.
6. Sore Eyes. Borax and Camphor Good Wash for.—"Borax one teaspoonful, spirits of camphor fifteen drops, distilled water one-half cupful. This makes a fine wash for sore eyes, and is perfectly harmless."
7. Sore Eyes, Tested Eye Wash for.—
"Hydrastis (Golden Seal Root) 1/2 ounceBest Green Tea 1/2 ounceSulphate of Zinc, Pulverized 1 dram
Steep the root and tea for a few minutes in a pint of boiling water; while cooling add the sulphate of zinc; when cold strain well and bottle. Use as an eye wash three times a day. In severe cases a poultice is useful, made of pulverized slippery elm and warm milk and water. All eye washes should be used with caution and especially those containing belladonna or caustic solutions,"
8. Sore Eyes, Borate of Soda and Camphor Water Relieves.—
"Borate of Soda 2 grainsCamphor Water (not spirits) 1 ounce
Mix, drop one or two drops in the eye four times a day.
Camphor water is made by allowing the gum to dissolve in water instead of alcohol, also saturate lint in this mixture and apply on the eyes."
The external ear is called auricle or pinna. It is an oval funnel-shaped organ. The canal leading in to the membrane (drum) is called the external auditory meatus. It extends inward about one and one-quarter inches and terminates in a membrane.
Membrane Tympani (drum) which separates the external ear from the tympanic cavity. To examine the drum, you must pull the ear backward and outward to make the canal straight.
Membrane Tympani (the drum) Membrane.—This is situated at the inner end of the canal and separates it from the tympanum or middle ear. It is placed like the membrane in the telephone. It is pearly gray in color. This membrane not only serves as a protection to the delicate structures within the tympanum, but also receives the sound vibrations from without and transmits them to the ossicular (bony) chain of the middle ear.
The Tympanum or Middle Ear.—This cavity just beyond the drum, which forms the greater part of its outer wall, is an irregular cavity, compressed from without inward and situated in the petrous bone. The mastoid cells lie behind. It is filled with air and communicates with the nose-pharynx (naso-pharynx) by the eustachian tube. The upper portion of this cavity, the attic, lies immediately below the middle lobe of the brain, separated from it by a thin layer of bone, which forms the roof of the cavity. This cavity is separated from the internal ear.
The Eustachian tube.—This is the channel through which the middle ear communicates with the pharynx. With an opening in the anterior of the middle ear, a bony canal passes from this point, inward, forward, and downward through the petrous bone, when it merges into a cartilaginous canal, which terminates in a funnel-shaped protuberance, with a slit-like orifice, located in the nose pharynx. This is the eustachian tube. It is lined with mucous membrane like the throat. The air goes up from the throat, through this canal to the middle ear. The mucous membrane of the middle ear is continuous with that of the nose-pharynx through the eustachian tube. So you can readily understand how easy it is for an inflammation of the throat to extend to the middle ear through the eustachian tube.
The posterior wall which has the greatest height, reveals in its upper portion a passage (antrum) through which the vault of the tympanum (attic) communicates with the cells of the mastoid process, situated posteriorly. From this description you see how near to each other these parts are placed and when one becomes diseased the disease can extend to the other part or parts. The brain is separated from some of these cavities by a very thin shell of bone, and the disease can soon affect the brain through infection or breaking through the thin structures that separates the parts.
Diseases of the middle ear and the mastoid are always to be considered serious, and should be very closely watched. A child with a running ear is in danger, for it may at any time become closed up and serious.
ECZEMA OF THE EXTERNAL EAR (Auricle).—This is an inflammatory disease of the skin, and in the poorer classes it is very frequent. It is quite a common disease in old age. It develops in other parts of the body at the same time in a certain percentage of cases.
Causes.—Soaps, alkalies, foreign bodies in the ear, removing ear wax and a chronic discharge from the middle ear. There is a tendency to it in some families; stomach trouble, improper food are also causes.
Symptoms.—Itching,—and this is very pronounced,—burning feeling. The part is somewhat reddened, fluid oozes out, crusts form, the skin thickens, and scales. Sometimes it swells very much.
Treatment.—Regulate the bowels, give a simple easily digested and proper food for children and adults. Cleanse the inflamed skin gently with castile soap and tepid water once a day. Cloths dipped in some cooling lotion, such as the lead and opium wash, or in plain water to which has been added a little alcohol or eau de cologne, should be wrapped around the inflamed ear during the acute stage and they should be kept wet. Clean vaselin, etc., is good to put on the scabs. The ear should be covered as before directed to keep dirt, dust, etc., out.
HARDENED WAX OR IMPACTED CERUMEN.—This mass may be mixed with foreign bodies or be made up of "wax" alone.
Symptoms.—A large mass of wax may remain in the ear for many years without causing any special loss of hearing so long as the plug does not rest against the drum and there remains a passage between the mass so that the sound-waves can strike the drum. Generally the hearing gradually grows less. Loss of hearing may take place suddenly, as after washing the head, or after a general bath, or after an attempt to clean the ear with the end of a towel. Patients will often say the dullness of hearing appeared suddenly. This no doubt was due to the fact that the mass of wax was displaced against the drum suddenly by an unusual movement of the head or the jaws, or the mass became swollen through fluids getting into the canal. If the canal is filled there will be more or less deafness, ringing in the ear, and there may be piercing pain produced by the hardened mass, especially if the jaws are moved from side to side. If the mass is thoroughly and carefully removed, the hearing may entirely return if it was caused by this wax.
Treatment.—The mass is best removed by syringing the hardened plug and softening it gradually. Removing it with a currette and forceps without softening it may do injury to the parts. The syringe and hot sterilized, boiled water should be used for some time, and the patient asked occasionally if there is any faintness or dizziness caused by it. It often comes, in a lump after the water has been used for some time. A strong solution of bicarbonate of sodium is also good to use.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR.—These are not of frequent occurrence. In the case of children these bodies may comprise such objects as pebbles, beads, beans, pieces of rolled paper, fly, bed-bug; insect of any kind may get into ear of adults. If they reach the drum a very unpleasant sensation is produced by the attempt to escape. Sometimes a layer of wax may gather around the dead object. These bodies should be removed, for their presence may produce a swelling or soreness in the canal. If the object is a dried pea or bean the syringe should not be used. The object must be carefully removed. Sometimes an operation is necessary to remove the object.
DISEASE OF THE MIDDLE EAR.—The ordinary cold in the head rarely runs its course without one of the eustachian tubes at least is involved to some extent.
SIMPLE INFLAMMATION OF THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE.—Causes.—Acute colds, inflammation of the nose and pharynx, tonsilitis.
Symptoms.—The ear may feel full and numb, roaring in the ear may occur.There may be pain on swallowing, shooting up through the tube.
Treatment.—Remove the cause. Treat the nose and pharynx. Spray and gargle with solutions advised for throat trouble. If it continues the throat should be examined for adenoids, enlarged turbinate bones and so on.
ACUTE CATARRHAL INFLAMMATION OF THE MIDDLE EAR. Causes.—Acute coryza, acute pharyngitis, influenza, scarlet fever, inflammation of the eustachian tube, gargling, bathing, employing the nasal douche or violently blowing the nose.
Inflammation of the eustachian tube is, in many cases, simply the first stage or onset of this disease. The congestion extends beyond the tube and involves to a greater or less degree this cavity. If it continues for a few hours or an entire day, the watery elements of the blood will begin to escape from the distended vessels into the tissues of the mucous membrane and ooze out upon its free surface. If this is copious enough pressure may be developed within the cavity, middle-ear, to cause pain. These cases vary much in severity. In the mildest ones there may be a few twinges of pain in the affected ear, but nothing more; and even in the most severe cases the pain does not last longer than a few hours, although it may return on several successive days. Very many of the earaches of young children, from two to ten years of age, are due to this disease. The pain is very likely to come on late in the afternoon or during the night, while earlier in the day the child may be free from pain. In the milder forms the condition of the drum is similar to that existing in inflammation of the eustachian tube. It is not then much changed from normal. There may be more congestion than in this condition. In a fairly severe case the membrane (drum) a few hours after the onset presents a most striking change. It is a picture of obstructed venous (dark blood) circulation of a high degree. In some cases one or more of these distended veins may rupture and form a blood tumor in the external ear canal. The drum is red and more or less swollen.
Treatment.—Very little is needed for this kind, except care and watching. Use the simple hot water in the ear carefully or poulticing when there is pain with onions, bread and milk, and puncture of the drum if it bulges or is too tense. Hot water for gargle, steaming of the pharynx. Keep the patient in a room with an even temperature. The patient must not take cold as it might extend farther.
Recovery.—The outcome is usually good in this disease if proper care is taken; Generally in a few weeks the inflammation is gone and the hearing is restored.
SEROUS MUCOUS EXUDATION INTO THE MIDDLE EAR.—The disease just described is often associated with an (exudation) watery oozing of fluid into the middle ear, but the following condition is different. Sometimes a comparatively normal middle ear is found to contain a variable amount of either fluid or mucus, or a fluid which represents a combination of both. The failure of the fluid to absorb is due first to the fact that the drainage through the eustachian tube is still obstructed; second, that the absorbing process in the cavity is not acting normally.
Symptom.—Sudden change from somewhat poor to good hearing and the reverse. It is due to the changing in the position of the fluid. The hearing may be normal when the head is thrown far backward, for the fluid then escapes into the antrum, or when the chin is resting upon the chest.
Another symptom that is peculiar is a feeling of something moving in the ear. This is only felt when the head is moved suddenly. Sometimes the patient says: "I went in bathing and got some water into my ear, and I am unable to get it out." He thinks the water went into the ear by the way of the external ear canal. It was due to the chilling of the surface of the body, or the water accidentally entered into the ear through the mouth, or nose, throat, and eustachian tube, and this caused an exudation of fluid to take place in the middle ear. Hearing gurgling sounds in the ear during coughing, sneezing and swallowing is an important symptom. The drum on being examined varies greatly. The simplest case is seen when fluid contained in the cavity is small in quantity and consists of a thin serum. The upper level of this fluid can then be seen like a hair crossing the drum in a more or less horizontal direction. It retains its horizontal position when the patient moves his head backward and forward.
Treatment.—The fluid can be evacuated by an opening made into the drum, but it usually accumulates again. The proper treatment is to treat the diseased condition of the nose and throat, as described in other parts of this book.
CHRONIC CATARRHAL INFLAMMATION OF THE MIDDLE EAR.—The expression, acute inflammation of the middle ear, is rightly employed when it is applied to a case in which the underlying cause is of a temporary nature, as for example, a cold in the head, and mild attack of influenza, perhaps also in an attack of hay fever. But when the causes are of a more permanent character and the middle ear continues for an indefinite period to be the seat of all sorts of disturbances the combination of these different diseased phenomena receives the name of chronic catarrhal inflammation of the middle ear.
Causes.—Troubles (lesions) located in the upper pharynx, the naso-pharyngeal (nose-pharynx) vault and the nasal passages. Adenoids may cause it.
The course of this disease has of recent years been growing more favorable, because the causes are being removed more and more.
Symptoms.—Symptoms of the acute inflammation would be present, and impairment of hearing which sometimes comes so gradually as not to be noticed by the patient. It will be better and then worse. A harassing, hissing, blowing, ringing, usually accompanies it. Pains soon or later add to the discomfort. One side is usually affected first.
Treatment.—It must be devoted to removing the causes just mentioned. Restore the general health. Abstain from alcohol, tobacco and excess of all kinds. Active outdoor exercise, horseback riding, mountain climbing, rowing, walking, etc., are great health producers.
ACUTE SUPPURATIVE INFLAMMATION OF THE MIDDLE EAR.—This inflammation of the middle ear is one in which, at an early stage of the disease, the free liquid poured out assumes a pus-like character. At the onset the mucous membrane of the eustachian tube and middle ear becomes first congested and afterward oedematous (watery swelling). Then a serous or a bloody-serous fluid is poured out into the middle ear; and finally this assumes all the outward characteristics of pus. In a few exceptional cases this pus fluid will find a sufficient passage through the eustachian tube; but in the great majority of cases this passageway becomes closed almost at the very beginning of the attack, and then the free exudation; under an ever increasing pressure and on account of the softening and breaking down of the tissues of the drum forces an opening for itself directly through the drum membrane.
Causes.—The same causes that produce the acute variety will produce this variety of the disease. It occurs more frequently during the spring and fall months as the result of changes in the climate. Acute and chronic catarrh of the nose and pharynx are causes. It frequently occurs in connection with scarlet fever and measles. It complicates nose and pharyngeal diphtheria.
Symptoms.—Pain in the ear is the most striking symptom noticed by the patient. In infants and young children of two or three years of age it may appear and not be recognized until a slight discharge appears at the opening of the external ear. The child is feverish, fretful and peevish, seemingly suffering great pain, and the parents think it is, not very sick or has only an earache. Sometimes physicians fail to recognize the trouble until the discharge appears in the external ear. The symptoms are more severe at night. Any physical or mental exertion increases the plain. The pain is sometimes very severe, and a spontaneous or artificial rupture of the drum eases the suffering very quickly in some cases, and a bloody, serous, pus-like discharge escapes into the external ear canal. Often a patient will say: "I felt something give away in the ear, a watery discharge appeared, and the pain soon subsided." In many cases the rupture of the drum gives little or no relief from suffering. This is due in some cases to the small and insufficient size of the opening in the drum. If the pain persists, after a free opening has been made, it may indicate that pressure exists in some cavity or cavities other than the middle ear proper. A sensation of fullness and sometimes of throbbing or pulsation in the affected ear; roaring, singing, whistling, etc.; impairment of hearing; increased pain, when the jaws are opened and shut, are symptoms of minor importance. If there are no complications after free discharge sets in the pain disappears, the fever gradually returns to the normal point, and the patient drops to sleep. In the course of a week or two the discharge subsides and if the rupture is not too extensive the wound will close and the patient will soon be well. Frequently, however, on account of disease of one or more of the bony parts, the wall of the middle ear or the mastoid cells, the discharge continues for weeks and may become chronic in its character.
Treatment.—Apply heat or cold first. Open the bowels.
How to apply heat.—With the patient lying on his side with the affected ear turned upward, fill the external ear canal with hot water (about 105 degrees F.), then place immediately over the affected ear a hot flaxseed meal poultice, five or six inches square and one-half inch thick, and spread a folded blanket or shawl over the whole to keep it warm as long as possible. Bread and milk with catnip, or onions will do if flaxseed is not at hand. The flaxseed holds the heat longer. Water is a good conductor of heat, and that which fills the external auditory (ear) canal may rightly be considered as an arm of the poultice which extends down to the drum itself.
Leeches also can be applied in front and below the tragus (front of the opening). If the symptoms do not improve under this treatment and especially if the drum is bulging, an opening should be made at the bulging point of the drum. The canal is now syringed with a warm antiseptic solution—like one part listerine, etc., to twenty parts of warm boiled water, with a clean syringe, or warm boiled water can be used alone. If there is any odor carbolic acid one part, to fifty or sixty of water can be used. A strip of sterile gauze is put into the canal for drainage and protection. This syringing can be done from two to four to five times a day, and gradually decrease the number of times as the discharge lessens. It must be syringed and dressed often enough to allow a free discharge and produce cleanliness.
Recovery.—The result of this disease cannot be told at the outset. The majority of such attacks end favorably, with care and treatment; this in persons of good constitution and health. It may run ten days to three to six weeks. In tuberculous patients the result is not so favorable. Recovery follows as a rule in this disease following scarlet fever and measles, but not so quickly, and there may be a discharge for some time, due to chronic disease of the ears, etc.
Complications and results.—In the majority of cases, in ordinarily healthy persons, this disease runs its course without doing any great amount of damage to the organ of hearing, and without involving any structure lying outside of the middle ear proper. In scarlet fever, measles, la grippe, or nasal diphtheria, actual destruction of tissue often takes place in some part of the middle ear before it is recognized. Sometimes it results the same way even when it is discovered in time.
Caution.—A person who has had this disease should be very careful not to take cold. The patient should take plenty of time to get well and strong. The diet should be liquid mostly.
CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE INFLAMMATION OF THE MIDDLE EAR.—An inflammation that forms pus; hence called suppurative. This is an inflammation that has become chronic (continued) and has one characteristic at least that is very noticeable, and that is the discharge. This may last for an indefinite period. The acute suppurative (pus-forming) inflammation just described in the foregoing pages, may have inflicted various kinds and degrees of damage upon the mucous membrane which lines the cavities, and as a result of the conditions thus established there will be a discharge which may last an indefinite time.
Causes.—Improper or lack of treatment for the acute suppurative inflammatory attack. This is the chief cause. The first attack may have been caused by scarlet fever, measles, etc. They are prone to become chronic, especially if not recognized early and treated properly.
Symptoms.—The main symptom is the discharge from the ear. This may be abundant or scanty. It may stop for a time and begin again. The hearing may be slightly or seriously impaired. Such patients are not accepted by life insurance companies.
Treatment.—Cleanliness of the parts and perfect drainage must be secured. Syringing with one to fifty carbolic acid solution (acid one part, warm water fifty parts) is good treatment. The opening in the drum should be made large enough to give free discharge to the pus in the middle ear.
The patient's strength must be built up if necessary.
INFLAMMATION OF THE MASTOID' CELLS. (Acute or Chronic Mastoiditis).—This disease represents one of the most serious terminations of an acute or a chronic suppurative inflammation of the middle ear. This is fortunately a comparatively rare event. There are, however, quite a good many cases of this terrible disease.
Causes.—It occurs as a primary or secondary disease. The first condition is rare and the result from injury, exposure to cold and dampness, or from syphilis or tuberculosis. Secondary disease is catarrhal or pus-like in form. This results from an extension of middle ear disease through the antrum, as a rule. The disease may develop at any time and endanger the life of the sufferer.
Symptoms.—Dull constant pain behind the ear and tenderness on pressure, more severe at night, the tenderness is very apt to be followed in a short time by redness and swelling of the skin in the same region. The pus may drain from the mastoid into the middle ear cavity. If this does not happen it may swell behind the ear and break through some other place. It may involve the structures within the brain. If meningitis develops, the patient has headache and later it becomes very severe. Lights hurts the eyes, The patient is restless, sleepless, may have nausea and vomiting and a constant high temperature. The neck is stiff and rigid. If there is more brain involvement (phlebitis) there will be sudden rise of temperature, followed by a rapid fall of temperature and attended by profuse sweating and chills,—a dangerous condition. There can be abscess of the brain also. In abscess of the brain symptoms are less severe and localized; the rigid neck and fear of light and vomiting are absent.
Treatment.—If seen early it may be aborted. If an examination of the drum shows bulging, an incision of the drum head should be made. If an opening is there it should be enlarged, if necessary. Cold applications are valuable and should be applied directly over the mastoid behind the ear. Sometimes hot applications are better, hot poultices, cloths, etc., syringing the canal with hot water. These applications, etc., should be constantly used for a day or, so, unless unfavorable symptoms set in, when if a marked improvement, especially in the local tenderness and pain, has not occurred, an operation should be done and the mastoid opened.
The diet should be liquid (milk), nourishing and sustaining. Bowels should be kept open.
This disease must be carefully watched. It is not only dangerous to life, and very quickly, but it is full of disagreeable and dangerous possibilities, lifelong discharge from the ear, an external fistulous opening, a permanent paralysis of the facial nerve, abscess in the brain. Brain symptoms, paralysis and pus symptoms do not now preclude an operation on the mastoid for mastoid disease. The patient should be closely watched and an operation performed as soon as called for.
I have given a longer description of the diseases of the ear than I intended when I began this part of the work. Diseases of the ear are becoming quite frequent, and the subject is important. I did not give much general medical treatment because I consider the local treatment is of more importance in a work of this kind. In treating the baby, I shall give more medical treatment. I shall treat the disease also, especially in relation to the baby. There can be more local applications used than those given. If the hot treatment is thought best, not only hot water and poultices of many kinds can be used, but fomentations of hops, etc., and hot water cloths alone. The intent of such treatment is to keep hot moist applications to the part continually. The use of laudanum in poultices used for ear trouble is not recommended because its soothing power may obscure symptoms that might appear and be dangerous in themselves and need quick and thorough treatment. The syringing of hot water into the external canal is often of great help. Five to ten grains of boric acid can be used in an ounce of water. If there is much odor to the discharge, you can use one part of carbolic acid to fifty parts of boiled water. The water should not be used too hot. One teaspoonful of the acid to fifty teaspoonfuls of water, or that proportion. After using the hot water, the canal should be filled with gauze for protection and drainage. For the fever, the first twenty-four hours, one-tenth to one drop of aconite can be used every one to three hours. By putting one drop in ten teaspoonfuls of water you get one-tenth of a drop at a dose.
DEAFNESS.—This is usually the result of a disease and is merely a symptom. Diseases of the middle ear, rupture of the drum membrane, and large ulceration of this membrane cause it. Ear wax causes temporary deafness. Diseases of the throat and nose cause it very often, and deafness frequently accompanies catarrh of the nose. Adenoids cause it sometimes, especially in children.
Treatment.—The only way to prevent this trouble is to treat the disease that causes it. Discharge from the ear, due to ear disease should be treated from the first or it may cause permanent deafness in that ear. Many cases of scarlet fever leave deafness behind in one ear at least. This trouble should be closely watched during an attack of scarlet fever, and in other infectious diseases and proper treatment given.
Chronic deafness is hard to cure; so often some of the deeper parts of the ear are diseased. When a person recognizes that his hearing is growing less acute he should have his ear examined. People often let the trouble go too long before beginning treatment.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Deafness. 1. Quick and Effective Remedy for.—"Five or ten drops of onion juice put in the ear several times a day is very good. If there is any pain in the ear, add a drop or two of laudanum, or you may just use two or three drops of glycerin with the other ingredients. In about an hour after treating the ear in this manner, syringe it well with warm castile soap suds or warm milk."
2. Deafness. Often Tried Remedy for.—"Take one dram each of tincture of lobelia, tincture of gum myrrh, oil of sassafras, tincture of opium and olive oil, mix and apply lint wet with the liniment in the ear, night, and morning, then syringe out with warm water and castile soap."
3. Deafness, My Mother, in Galt, Found Mullein Good for.—"Small blossoms of mullein, fill bottles and cork, hang in sun till oil forms, drop three drops every third day in the ear for three or four weeks. We tried this successfully in our family."
EARACHE.—The general belief exists that earache is something which is quite harmless and entirely different from a genuine inflammation of the ear. This belief is strengthened by the fact that the great majority of earaches subside without inflicting any harm upon the ear. As soon as a discharge appears, in many cases, there is relief. If a discharge appears, the earache was the result of an inflammation in the ear. So-called earache lasts but a short time, and can be relieved by either hot or cold applications; but when the earache continues for a day or more it is an indication of more than pain in the ear and if a thorough examination is made there will, no doubt, be found disease of the ear that is causing the earache. Then the disease proper should be treated.
Treatment.—Hot or cold applications are of benefit. With the patient lying upon the well ear, fill the canal with hot water (105 degrees F.). Then place over the ear a flaxseed poultice or a roasted onion poultice, four to five inches square and one-half inch thick and spread over all a folded shawl. Bread and milk makes a good poultice also. A hot bran bag or a hot salt bag is good. The heat must be continuous.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Earache, Hot Raisin for.—"Hot raisins sometimes relieve earache. Soak them in hot milk and change frequently." This is an excellent remedy. The raisins should be placed in the ear canal, and they are sure to give relief.
2. Earache, Flax and Cornmeal for.—"Flaxseed and cornmeal in oil." Take equal parts of flaxseed and cornmeal and mix together, then add enough sweet oil to moisten this mixture. This should be applied hot and kept so by repeating as each poultice is cold. This will be found very beneficial.
3. Earache, Soothing Home Remedy for.—"Glycerin and laudanum heated and dropped in the ear. Hot poultice of hops inclosed in cotton bag and applied to the ear is very soothing." The glycerin and laudanum will give temporary relief and the hops poultice retains the heat, which is one of the essential things in earache.
4. Earache, Horse-radish Leaves for.—"Steaming the face and ear with crushed horseradish leaves will give relief and soothes one to sleep." When through steaming the face the horseradish leaves should be applied to the face and ear as a poultice. This is very soothing.
5. Earache, Onion Sure Cure for.—"The heart of an onion." Roast the heart of an onion and put in the canal of the ear. Then apply heat to the outside of the ear and relief will soon be obtained.
6. Earache; Temporary Relief for.—
"Gum Camphor 1/2 dramOlive Oil 1/2 ounceGlycerin 1/2 ounce
Mix and drop in ear."
This is good to relieve, but should not be continued, as this oily substance lodges in the ear and may cause trouble.
7. Earache, Sweet Oil and Pepper for.—"Take a piece of cotton batting, cover with sweet oil, then cover that with black pepper, inserting into ear." This is a good remedy.
8. Earache, Steaming With Hot Water for.—"Steam the ear and side of the head with cloths wrung out of hot water; put feet in hot mustard water; do not put anything in the ear but keep steaming it and you will find relief in a few hours, even if it is a gathering."
[Illustraion: SKELETON.]
9. Earache, Castor Oil for.—"Put a drop of castor oil in the ear. Fill hot water bag and warm the ear that aches."
10. Earache, Fresh Warm Milk for.—"The warm milk from a cow will cure earache and has also been known to cure deafness." While still warm from the cow drop a little in the ear.
HARE-LIP.—This is due to the fact that the flesh or bony parts do not quite properly unite. It may form a single or double hare-lip, or complicated, or it may involve the soft parts, or the hard (bony) and soft parts at the same time. It is always to one or the other side of the middle line. It is double hair-lip in about one-tenth of the cases, and when double it is frequently complicated with cleft palate.
Symptoms.—Upon examination you notice that there is a split in the lip, either partly through the lip or entirely, so that the bone is exposed; or the slit goes not only through the lip, but also through the bone.
Operation.—This is necessary, and it is quite successful. The best time is between the third and sixth month, especially when it is a simple case. In some cases of double hair-lip, when the child cannot take the breast and has to be fed, early operation should be done if the child is strong. The operation for a simple hare-lip is very easily and quickly done. For complicated cases it takes longer, and of course is not without some danger. It should be done, for a child is a pitiable sight with this deformity. When grown up it is a source of great annoyance and shame.
CLEFT PALATE.—The bones that form the hard palate do not unite in the median line and a longitudinal opening is left in the roof of the mouth. This is called Cleft Palate.
Symptoms.—Of course, upon examination this split is seen. It may involve not only the hard palate, but also the soft palate and uvula. It is then generally accompanied by single or double hare-lip. When the severe forms occur they cause great trouble. Fluids pass freely into the nose, and unless the child is carefully fed by hand it will soon die, as it is unable to suck. In the less severe forms the child soon learns to swallow properly, but when he learns to speak he cannot articulate properly and his voice is nasal.
Treatment.—For this reason an early operation is advisable, not so early as for hare-lip, but before the child has learned to speak, say between the age of three and four when faulty speech (articulation) may be overcome by successful closure of the palate. When the operation is done late, the patient will not be able to overcome the bad habits of articulation acquired in his childhood.
Operation.—The anaesthetic is necessary. The end of one-half of the cleft palate is seized with an instrument and the edge freely pared with a thin bladed sharp knife; same with the other half. Then the stitches are put in of silk worm, gut or wire. The patient is fed on liquid food for three or four days, and afterwards on soft food until the stitches are removed. They are removed about the sixth or eighth day, and the wound should be completely healed.
CROOKED FEET. Talipes.—There are many varieties. The treatment should be begun, under the instructions of a physician, and continued from infancy and many a good foot can be obtained.
KNOCK KNEE. (Genu Valgum).—This is due to an overgrowth of the internal knuckle (condyle) on the knee joint, and curving inward of the shaft of the thigh-bone (femur) in its lower parts, with relaxation and lengthening of the ligaments of the knee joint.
It usually shows itself soon after the child begins to walk, but may not do so until puberty,—rarely later. It is due in the child to rickets; in the latter form, it is caused by an occupation that requires continued standing, by a person of feeble development of the muscles and ligaments. "Flat-foot" is often associated with it and, at times, may be the real cause. It may affect one or both knees, may be so slight as to escape detection, except upon a very careful examination, or so severe as to separate the feet very widely and render walking difficult and wobbling. In children other symptoms of rickets can generally be found. If not severe it may often get better spontaneously as the rickets condition improves and the general strength increases. This result is common in the cases occurring later, from standing if the general condition improves.
Treatment.—Should be begun early and both general and local treatment should be given. The quicker the treatment is begun, the quicker will be the recovery and the deformity will be less. The ordinary medical and hygienic treatment should be given for rickets.
Local Treatment.—This is mechanical, supplemented by baths, rubbing, friction, electricity and preceded, if necessary, by attending to the bones. If the rickets is still active, and the bones are soft and yielding, standing and walking should be forbidden, the limb should be straightened by manipulation and the correct position secured and maintained by an outside splint and bandage. Sometimes operative measures are needed.
BOW LEGS. (Genu Varum).—This is the opposite of knock knees, and the deformity usually affects both limbs, the knees being widely separated. The disease begins in early childhood; the cause is rickets, and the deformity is the direct result of the weight of the body and muscular action.
Treatment.—Spontaneous recovery occurs; but if the case is at all severe, and the child is young enough that the bones have not become firmly set in the abnormal curves, mechanical treatment should be employed to bring the limbs to a better position. This may be done by plaster of paris or braces. This must be used intelligently and continuously. Children should not be allowed to walk so early, especially those of slow development.
CLUB FOOT (Talipes).—Varieties:
1. The heel may be drawn up and the foot extended (Talipes Equinus).
2. The foot may be flexed, bent up, (Talipes Calcaneus).
3. The foot may be drawn inward, adducted, (Talipes Varus).
4. The foot may be drawn outward, abducted, (Talipes Valgus); or, two may be combined, extended, and drawn inward (Equino Varus).
In the congenital (born with it) variety the displacement is almost always one of adduction, that is, drawn inward, with commonly some elevation of the heel. It generally affects both feet, but it may be confined to one and if only one is affected, the right is oftener affected than the left. The deformity varies. At the time of birth and for some months afterwards the deformity can usually be corrected by proper manipulation, but later, if left to itself, it becomes in greater or less measure fixed, because of the muscular contraction, and developed changes in the shape of the bones.
Cause—It is not known.
Treatment is successful if it is begun early. Each case should be treated as it needs. The treatment should be varied to suit each case. Bandaging or adhesive straps properly applied has been used with success. Sometimes the leg must be kept motionless by plaster of Paris or gutta-percha bandages. They must be frequently removed and reapplied. In older cases the tendons must be cut and braces applied. Parents are careless who neglect such a case for even one month.
ALCOHOLISM. Acute Symptoms.—The face is flushed, the breath has the odor of liquor, the pulse is full and bounding with deep respiration. Reason, memory, judgment and will are first stimulated and then blunted. The drinker's peculiarities are exaggerated, the person becoming affectionate or quarrelsome. There is a loss of coordination as shown by the staggering, swinging, the relaxation of the muscles, and finally deep sleep, with snoring breathing. The person is unconscious, but can be partly aroused and will mutter when questioned or disturbed. The pupils are contracted or dilated, and they will dilate when the face is slapped. The urine is increased, but it is often retained.
CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM.—This results from protracted or periodic "sprees."
Symptoms.—The face is red, the capillaries are dilated, eyes are watery, conjunctiva is congested. There is chronic inflammation of the stomach, which is characterized by morning vomiting; there is often hardening of the liver, trembling of the hands and tongue; the memory is weakened and judgment and will as well, especially until a stimulant has been taken; often the person is irritable, careless, with loss of moral sense and in extreme cases dementia. Peripheral neuritis is more common in men than in women. It begins with sharp pain and tingling in the feet and hands; paralysis affects the lower extremities, then the upper, and is most marked in the further muscles of the limbs. The pain may be very severe, with great tenderness. There is Arteriosclerosis (hardening of walls of the arteries); often heart dilation.
DELIRIUM TREMENS.—This is a brain manifestation of chronic alcoholism occurring in steady drinkers after excessive drinking or sudden withdrawal of alcohol, or after sudden excitement or accident, pneumonia or other illness, or lack of food.
Symptoms.—There are restlessness, insomnia (sleeplessness), mental depression, then active delirium with great restlessness, talking, muttering, hallucination of sight and hearing. He thinks he sees objects in the room such as rats, mice, or snakes, and fancies that they are crawling over his body, has them in his boots, etc. The terror inspired by these imaginary objects is great, and has given the popular name of "horrors" or "snakes" to the disease. You must watch the patient constantly, or he may try to jump out of the window or escape. The patient may think he hears sounds and voices, threats of imaginary enemies. There is much muscular "shakings," the tongue is coated with a thick white fur and, when protruded, trembles. The pulse is rapid and soft, sleeplessness is a constant feature. Favorable cases improve in the third or fourth day, the restlessness abates, the patient sleeps and the improvement sets in. The shakings persist for some days, the hallucinations disappear gradually, and the appetite returns. In the more serious cases, the sleeplessness (insomnia) persists, the delirium is incessant, the pulse becomes more frequent and feeble, the tongue dry, the prostration is extreme and death takes place from gradual heart failure.
Treatment.—In acute alcoholic cases special measures are seldom required, as the patient sleeps off the effect of his "spree." If there is deep profound alcoholic coma, it may be proper to wash out the stomach and if symptoms of collapse occur, the limbs should be rubbed, and hot applications made to the body.
Chronic Alcoholism.—This is different; withdraw the alcohol and substitute strychnine, one-thirtieth of a grain three or four times a day, nourishing food, confinement in a sanitarium if necessary. Give the bromides for the restlessness and sleeplessness. Drugging of the liquor with apo morphine or tartar emetic.
MOTHER'S REMEDY. Drunkenness. 1. Effective as Cure for.—
"Arsenious Acid 19 grainsBromine Water sufficientTribromide of Gold 14 grainsDistilled Water sufficient
Ten drops of this solution for injection, which equals one thirty-second grain of gold tribromide." This is an active tonic, powerful sedative and destroys the appetite or cravings for alcoholic stimulants; the medicine is to be taken regularly four or five times a day for several weeks until the alcohol is out of the system even though he may appear cured. This is a good remedy, but should be given under the supervision of a doctor.
Treatment.—The patient must be put into a bed and carefully watched; withdraw alcohol at once unless the pulse is too feeble. Procure rest and sleep for the patient. How? In mild cases, thirty grains (one-half dram) of bromide of potassium, combined with tincture of capsicum five to ten drops, may be given every three hours. Call a doctor for the rest. One hundredth grain hyoscine hypodermically is sometimes good; one-fourth grain morphine hypodermically is sometimes given. For heart weakness: Aromatic spirits of ammonia.
MORPHINE HABIT. (Morphinomania—Morphinism).—This is usually acquired by the repeated use of the hypodermic syringe for pain. It is also used by the mouth or opium smoking.
Symptoms.—At first it causes a sense of well-being and exhilaration, but it must be gradually increased to produce the result; when the effect wears off, the person feels weary, mentally and physically; has nausea, slight distress in the stomach region or pain like intestinal colic. Another dose relieves these feelings, eventually the person becomes thin, his face is sallow, the pupils are dilated or unequal, except when he is under the influence of the drug. His appetite is poor with indigestion. Sometimes itching of the skin, restlessness; irritable, disturbed sleep, and a tendency to lie about everything.
Treatment.—The patient must be taken from home and friends and be constantly watched. The drug should be withdrawn gradually and nourishing food given at stated intervals.
COCAINE HABIT.—The drug is taken as a snuff, hypodermically, or in sprays and often the habit is formed when given as sprays, etc., in disease.
Symptoms.—Large doses cause great excitement, sometimes convulsions, followed by weak heart and respiratory weakness, general prostration, convulsions and coma.
The cocaine habit causes emaciation, anemia, disturbances of the stomach, etc., disordered heart action, weakness of the body and mind, nervous and great depravity.
Treatment.—Same as for the morphine habit.
CHLORAL HABIT. Symptoms.—After a slight primary exhilaration there is depression of the mind and body; skin eruptions, bad breath, spongy gums, poor appetite, indigestion, bad nutrition, permanent dilation of the cutaneous (skin) blood vessels, intermittent pulse, blunting of the higher mental faculties, restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, sometimes dementia.
Treatment.—Same as for morphine.
LEAD POISONING. (Plumbism-Saturnism). Causes.—It is common in lead smelters and grinders, painters, glaziers, and plumbers, whose hands are not washed before eating. The lead is absorbed by the mouth, skin and lungs. It may be taken into the system by drinking water, cider, etc., in new lead pipes, or from hair-dyes or cosmetics containing lead.
Symptoms of Acute Case.—These develop rapidly from continued exposure. There is rapidly progressing anemia, with acute neuritis, epilepsy, convulsions or delirium or with severe stomach and bowel symptoms.
Chronic Cases. Symptoms. 1.—Anemia, lead line on the gums, paralysis, colic, and brain symptoms.
2. Blue-black line of lead in the gums near the teeth.
3. This is preceded by an obstinate constipation. It resembles severe intestinal colic. There may be vomiting.
4. Paralysis. This is the result of peripheral neuritis, localized or generalized. Wrist drop and many other symptoms of local and general paralysis.
TREATMENT. Prevention.—The hands and finger nails of the lead workers should always be thoroughly cleaned before eating. Use respirators if lead is present in the form of dust.
For chronic poisoning remove the cause. Potassium iodide, five to ten grains three times a day. Not to be given in acute cases or when the symptoms are very severe, until what is in the bowels is removed.
Constipation.—For this give a half ounce of epsom salts before breakfast when needed, or repeat in small doses.
For pain.—Heat over the abdomen and give morphine, if necessary.
FOOD POISONING. (Bromototoxismus).—Food may contain the specific organisms of disease, as of tuberculosis or trichinosis; milk and other foods may become infected with typhoid bacilli, and so convey the disease. Animals (or insects or bees) may feed on substances that cause their flesh or products to be poisonous to man. Meat poisoning. Eating sausage or pork pie or headcheese has caused poisoning. Poisoning from impure milk, shell fish, pellagra, from using altered maize, etc.
Symptoms.—Acute inflammation of stomach and bowels, with great prostration, ending in collapse. In shell fish poisoning, there are numbness, weakness, dilated pupils, rapid and feeble pulse, temperature under the normal and collapse.
Treatment.—In all cases empty the stomach by emetics or stomach tube and the bowels by cathartics. Stimulate if necessary.
HEAT STROKE.—Called also heat exhaustion; thermic fever, coup de Soleil. A condition produced by exposure to excessive heat.
Heat Exhaustion.—This is caused by continued exposure to high temperatures, especially while working hard.
Symptoms.—Prostration with cool skin, temperature often below normal, 95-96, pulse is small and frequent, sometimes restlessness and delirium. The person need not necessarily be exposed to the direct rays of the sun, but the condition may come on at night, or while at work in close, confined rooms.
Treatment of indoor heat exhaustion.—Aromatic spirits of ammonia one to two drams and strychnine; avoid alcohol. If the temperature is below normal, (98.6) a warm bath can be given. Rest in bed in a well ventilated room.
SUNSTROKE. Heat Stroke, Thermic (heat) Fever.—This occurs in persons chiefly who, while working very hard are exposed to the sun. Soldiers who are marching with their heavy accoutrements are very liable to be attacked. In large cities the most of the cases are confined to workmen who are much exposed and at the same time, have been drinking beer and whisky.
Symptoms.—The patient may be struck down and die very soon with symptoms of failure of the heart, difficult breathing and coma. This kind is most frequent in soldiers. In ordinary cases there may be failure to perspire, premonitory headache, dizziness, sometimes nausea and vomiting, colored or poor sight (vision); insensibility follows, which may be temporary or increased deep coma. The face is flushed, the skin is dry and hot, the pupils are temporarily dilated, then usually greatly contracted, the pulse is rapid and full, and the temperature ranges from 107 to 110 degrees or higher. The breathing is deep, labored and snoring (stortorous). Usually there is complete muscular relaxation, with twitchings, jerkings, or very rarely convulsions may occur. In fatal cases, coma (deep sleep) deepens, the pulse becomes more frequent and feeble, the breathing becomes more hurried, shallow and irregular and death may occur within twenty-four to thirty-six hours. In others, the consciousness returns, the temperature falls, the pulse and breathing become normal and recovery may be complete or leave bad results. The patient may be predisposed to future attacks or suffer from weakness or headache, and disturbance of the mind when ever the weather is warm.
Prognosis.—The death rate is higher when treatment is delayed, and when alcohol has been used as a beverage.
MOTHER'S REMEDY. Sunstroke, Quick Method to Relieve.—"Apply alternately hot and cold applications to forehead and base of the brain or back of the neck, place the feet in warm mustard water, and apply mustard to the stomach and calves of legs. This remedy was tried by my brother's wife, who is a trained nurse. She says it is very effective," The hot and cold applications help to draw the blood from the brain. Placing feet in warm mustard water will help to give relief.
Treatment.—Avoid exposure and alcohol. For a mild case—Rest in a cool place, cool sponging, aromatic spirits ammonia or strychnine if needed for the prostration.
For severe cases.—The temperature must be reduced as rapidly as possible. Pack the patient in a bath of ice. Rubbing the body with ice is an excellent procedure to lower the temperature rapidly. Ice water enemata (injections in bowel) may also be employed. If ice cannot be obtained strip the patient and sprinkle him with water until the temperature is reduced. Use a thermometer to see it does not go too low. Ice cap or cold water to the head. Keep working for hours.
Medicine.—Glonoin, 1/100 to 1/200 grain is of help in severe cases.
COLLAPSE.—1. Place the patient flat on his back.
2. Raise the feet and lower his head, unless blueness of the face occurs.
3. Make the patient warm by applying warm coverings and hot water bottles, bricks or wood.
4. Enema of strong coffee.
5. If necessary the legs and arms can be bandaged beginning at the feet and hands and then bandage up. Use above in order given.
FAINTING.—Place the patient on her back, with the head low and feet raised unless the face is flushed. The face is generally pale.
Loosen the clothing about the waist, throat, etc.
Plenty of air and no crowding around the patient.
Cold water on the face with cloths. It is not necessary to wet her all over. Ammonia or camphor near the nostrils to inhale. Lie still for some time and do not attempt to rise while still feeling dizzy or faint.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Sea Sickness, Red Pepper and Molasses Relieves.— "A teaspoonful of red pepper mixed with molasses and taken in one dose is considered one of the best remedies for this trouble."
2. Sea Sickness, Peppermint an Excellent Relief for.—"A teaspoonful of essence of peppermint put in a tumbler of hot water, sipped occasionally, is both a preventive and cure for sea-sickness."
Sea Sickness.—Dr. Hare, of Philadelphia, says: "The bromides should be used in the dose of five to ten grains three times a day for several days before the patient sails to quiet the vomiting center." After sea sickness begins the following combination is good:
(a) Citric Acid 2 dramsDistilled Water 4 ouncesMake a solution.
(b) Bromide of Potash 1 dramBicarbonate of Potash 1 dramDistilled Water 4 ouncesMake a solution.
Then a tablespoonful of each of these solutions should be added to one another and taken during effervescence. Lemon juice can be used in place of citric acid in the first combination.
DOG BITES (Not Rabid).—Treat the same as for any torn wound, wash out thoroughly with hot water and an ounce of salt in a pint of water. There is no danger of hydrophobia from the bite of a dog, cat or any animal unless that animal has hydrophobia. No one can take hydrophobia from an animal that does not have it. (See Hydrophobia).
POISONED WOUNDS. Mosquito Bite.—Remove the sting in the wound. Diluted vinegar applied to the bites is sometimes of help. Camphor is also good.
Snake Bite.—Naturalists have discovered twenty-seven species of poisonous serpents and one poisonous lizard; eighteen species of these are true rattlesnakes; the remaining nine are divided between varieties of the moccasin, copperhead or the viper. The poisonous lizard is the Texan reptile known as the "Gila Monster." In all these serpents the poison fluid is secreted in a gland which lies against the side of the skull below and behind the eye, from which a duct leads to the base of a hollow tooth or fang, one on each side of the upper jaw; which fang, except in the case of vipers, is movable and susceptible of erection and depression. When not in use the fang hugs the upper jaw and is ensheathed in a fold of mucous membrane. In the vipers the fang is permanently erect. In the case of biting the contents of the poison sac are forcibly ejected through the hollow fang.
Symptoms of a Snake Bite.—The symptoms are similar in bites of poisonous snakes. Pain in the wound, slight at first, but becoming more severe, with rapid swelling and spotted discoloration in the vicinity of the wound. Symptoms of heart and lung depression soon show themselves by feeble and fluttering pulse, faintness, cold sweating, mental distress, nausea and vomiting and labored breathing. Death may occur very soon in intense poisoned cases, but more frequently the struggle extends over a number of hours.
Treatment.—First thing to do.—When the bite is on a limb, tie the limb above the bite toward the body and twist the ligature so tight that the circulation is cut off, or checked. Then cut the wound open very freely. When the bite is on the body, make a free cut, and when this cannot be done suck the wound vigorously, which can done without danger, if there are no cracks or abrasions of the lips or mouth, as the poison is harmless when taken into a well mouth. If a hot iron is at hand apply it freely within the wound and this may take the place of the knife or suction. Salt put in the cut wound will be of help, or fill the wound with permanganate of potash and inject a solution of the same, diluted three-quarters with water, around the wound. Strychnine one-fifteenth of a grain every two hours until the symptoms are better. This is not given until the symptoms of snake poisoning have shown themselves.
If such agents are not at hand, brandy or whisky should be given freely.The pulse will show when the patient has had enough.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. INSECT AND OTHER BITES.—1. Simply Use Pepper for Dog Bite.—"My son had his hand bitten by a dog and it was over a week before it was brought to my notice. The sore was then filled with green pus and the pain went up to his jaw, so we were afraid of lockjaw. I had him cleanse it thoroughly in a basin of warm saleratus water, then filled and thickly covered it with black pepper. The pain stopped almost instantly. It seems as though pepper would smart a cut terribly, but it does not." This is a good remedy and worth trying. The black pepper did not smart the wound because the flesh was dead.
2. Bites, Tobacco Good for Dog.—"Immediately wash the parts with clear water; then take leaf or cut tobacco and bind over the part bitten, changing it two or three times a day for a week. This effectually absorbs the poison. It is a good prevention of any future trouble."
3. Bites, Ammonia Good for Insect.—"Rub the affected parts with ammonia, which will draw out the poison. For mosquito bites have often used baking soda. This always gives relief and is very cooling."
4. Bites, Baking Soda for Insect.—"Cover the affected parts with baking soda and keep moist." A mud poultice is an old tried remedy.
5. Bites, Hartshorn Old Time Remedy for.—"Apply hartshorn or spirits of ammonia to part which neutralizes the formic acid, the active principle of the poison." This is an old-time remedy and will always give relief if applied immediately.
6. Bites, Carbolic Acid Draws Poison from.—"Bathe frequently in a weak solution of carbolic acid." The carbolic acid is a very good remedy and seldom fails to cure, but if you do not happen to have the acid, use vinegar, and it will have practically the same effect.
7. Bites, Alum and Vinegar Good Remedy for.—"Alum and vinegar. Purchase five cents' worth of powdered alum and dissolve in a pint of vinegar and apply freely. This is a very good remedy."