Peas, beans, shoe buttons, or beads are sometimes put into the ear and nose by adventurous or experimenting children.
The shoe button or bead will not swell as does the pea or the bean, and may often be safely washed out. If it is causing no pain and will not drop out in case of the ear, or will not be easily blown out in case of the nose, see your physician at once. He has in his possession just the necessary instruments for its immediate removal.
Peas and beans swell, and consequently cause greater discomfort the longer they are in; do not poke at any foreign body lodged either in the nose or the ear, for the ear drum may thus be injured, while in the former case it may be pushed into one of the accessory sinuses.
EARACHE
One of the most comforting and highly effectual forms of heat for an aching ear is a four-candle-power carbon electric light on an extension cord that permits the light to come in close contact with the ear. A shade is made from a piece of stiff letter paper that fits the socket snugly and flares out to a three inch opening, which should extend below the point of the bulb one inch. This shade holds all the heat and light and directs it into the aching ear.
In every well-ordered household there will be found a three-per-cent solution of carbolic acid and glycerine of which one drop should be put into the aching ear, and then the external heat, mentioned above, should be applied. A bag of warm salt, a hot water bag, or a warm plate will provide external heat if an electric light is not available. Do not put laudanum or other remedies into the ear, other than are herein suggested, without your physician's knowledge.
Earache is always serious, and since it is usually indicative of trouble which, if left untreated, may cause deafness, it demands thorough treatment from skilled hands.
Running ears invariably need medical attention and should never be neglected.
NOSEBLEED
If the nose bleeds whenever it is cleansed, more than likely there is an ulcer on the septum which will continue to bleed if left untreated. The physician should heal the ulcer, and the child should be taught always to vaseline the nostril before cleansing it.