The treatment should consist of measures to prevent inflammation, promote absorption, and restore a healthy action. The affected part should be kept at rest in an elevated position, and hot or cold water applied frequently. If there is much inflammation, fomentations of hops may be used. The Compound Extract of Smart-weed is an excellent application.
When the acute symptoms have disappeared, absorption should be favored by systematic rubbing and the application of stimulating liniments, or by the use of a well-adjusted bandage. Passive motion may be resorted to gradually and the subject may use the joint moderately. Should any stiffness remain, warm salt water douches should be employed and the Extract of Smart-weed applied once a day.
BRUISES.
Bruises or contusions are caused by falls, wrenches, or blows from blunt instruments, without breaking the skin. The soft tissues are lacerated and blood is poured out into them, constituting ecchymosis. The discoloration passes through various shades from a bluish-black to a violet, a green, and finally, a yellow.
If the bruise is severe, the affected part should be kept at rest and frequently bathed with the Compound Extract of Smart-weed or the tincture of arnica. If inflammatory symptoms supervene, fomentations and poultices should be applied.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE NOSE.
Foreign bodies, such as beads, peas, coffee-grains, and small gravel-stones are occasionally introduced into the nostrils of children, becoming fastened there, and causing great anxiety and alarm. If allowed to remain, they generally cause inflammation and suffering.
Such bodies may generally be washed out by gently injecting a stream of tepid salt water with a syringe or Dr. Pierce's Nasal Douche. In no case should force be used. If these means fail, a competent surgeon should be consulted.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE THROAT AND AIR-PASSAGES.
Foreign bodies are generally arrested so high up that they may be seen by simply depressing the tongue, and removed with the finger or a pair of forceps. The head should be thrown back in such a position as to cause the chin to project as little as possible beyond the prominence known as Adam's apple, in order that the finger or forceps may be readily introduced and the body released and ejected. When the foreign bodies are so small as to pass out of sight in the larynx, windpipe, or esophagus, it is generally difficult to extract them, and the services of a surgeon are required. Fortunately, however, there is not much immediate danger from suffocation in such cases.