To remove solid bodies, turn the ear containing the body downward, pull it outward and backward, and rub the skin just in front of the opening into the ear with the other hand, and the object may fall out.
Failing in this, syringing with warm water, as for removal of wax, while the patient is sitting, may prove successful. The essentials of treatment then consist, first, in keeping cool; then in killing insects by dropping oil or water into the ear, and, if syringing proves ineffective, in using no instrumental methods in an attempt to remove the foreign body, but in awaiting such time as skilled medical services can be obtained. If beans or seeds are not washed out by syringing, the water may cause them to swell and produce pain. To obviate this, drop glycerin in the ear which absorbs water, and will thus shrivel the seed.
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE NOSE.—Children often put foreign bodies in their noses, as shoe buttons, beans, and pebbles. They may not tell of it, and the most conspicuous symptoms are the appearance of a thick discharge from one nostril, having a bad odor, and some obstruction to breathing on the same side. If the foreign body can be seen, the nostril on the unobstructed side should be closed and the child made to blow out of the other one. If blowing does not remove the body it is best to secure medical aid very speedily.
FOOTNOTES:
[4] The Editors have deemed it advisable to repeat here the following instructions, also occurring in Vol. II, Part I, for the removal of foreign bodies in the eye, ear, and nose, as properly coming under the head of "First Aid in Emergencies."
CHAPTER IV
Fractures
How to Tell a Broken Bone—A Simple Sling—Splints and Bandage,—A Broken Rib—Fractures of Arm, Shoulder, Hand, Hips Leg and Other Parts.
BROKEN BONE; FRACTURE.[5]