SUMMARY:—
1. Adenoids cause more trouble and more actual disease than any other condition during childhood.
2. It is a crime for a parent to refuse operation if the presence of adenoids has been proved.
3. Removal is the only treatment and it should be done in every case as soon as possible.
4. The operation is a trivial one and is free from danger.
NASAL HEMORRHAGE—"NOSE BLEEDS"
A hemorrhage from the nose may occur at any time from birth on. It depends upon the rupture of one or more blood vessels. The great majority of "nose-bleeds" are caused by adenoids, or by a small ulcer in the nose, or by an injury, such as a blow or fall. A nasal hemorrhage, however, may be caused by other, more serious conditions, and for that reason may justify a careful inquiry into the cause, especially if bleeding should occur a number of times, or be of a serious character the first time.
Of the more common causes as given above, the adenoids should be removed, and the chronic catarrh which is invariably the cause of the ulcer should be cured.
Treatment of an Acute Attack.—Have the patient sit erect; loosen all tight clothing around neck; fold the hands over the head; apply cold to the back of the neck and the nose. Pieces of ice can be put into the nostril and the ice bag to the nape of the neck, or a piece of ice can be put into a folded napkin and held on the back of the neck. Taking a long breath and holding it as long as possible and repeating it while the ice is being applied is an aid. Placing the feet in hot mustard water is of decided use. Another excellent expedient is to wrap absorbent cotton round a smooth probe (piece of whalebone, for example), dip the cotton in an alum-water mixture (half teaspoonful powdered alum in a half cupful of water), and then push it into the bleeding nostril as far as you can with gentle force. A valuable remedy is Peroxide of Hydrogen used full strength and freely dropped into the nostril. If these measures fail, send for a physician at once.
SUMMARY:—
1st. Nose bleeds may be caused by some serious condition.
2nd. If they occur a number of times have the child examined.
3rd. If the treatment outlined above does not stop the bleeding in a few moments send immediately for a physician.