Many young babies suffer from this trouble without the cause being even
suspected. It may come after a cold, an attack of bronchitis or pneumonia,
and sometimes during teething. It often accompanies scarlet fever and
measles. The child screams, presses his head against his mother or nurse,
pulls at his ear as if it hurt him. If you press in front of the ear the
baby jumps as if in great pain and cries aloud. The pain is likely to be
continuous and prolonged.
What can I do for it? Heat is the best remedy. Wash out the ear with a hot
solution of boric acid fifteen to twenty grains to the ounce of water, and
then apply heat in various ways. Have the child lie with the painful ear
against a covered hot water bag or heat a flannel over a lamp and place it
against the ear, changing it often to keep it hot. A bag of hot salt or
bran is also very good. Laudanum and oil should not be used unless ordered
by a physician. As soon as possible after the first attack of pain the
baby should be examined by a doctor and unnecessary deafness is often
avoided by such action. For a more extended account, see General
Department. Fomentations applied are often beneficial, especially of hot
water.
(See Earache, Mothers' Remedies, etc. under General Department).
[ALL ABOUT BABY 611]