HEALTH CARE: Mother's Remedies

Health Care
-strengthens her arms
-strength and honour are her clothing

This is a Proverb's 31 series post

CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE INFLAMMATION OF THE MIDDLE EAR.—An inflammation that forms pus; hence called suppurative. This is an inflammation that has become chronic (continued) and has one characteristic at least that is very noticeable, and that is the discharge. This may last for an indefinite period. The acute suppurative (pus-forming) inflammation just described in the foregoing pages, may have inflicted various kinds and degrees of damage upon the mucous membrane which lines the cavities, and as a result of the conditions thus established there will be a discharge which may last an indefinite time.

Causes.—Improper or lack of treatment for the acute suppurative inflammatory attack. This is the chief cause. The first attack may have been caused by scarlet fever, measles, etc. They are prone to become chronic, especially if not recognized early and treated properly.

Symptoms.—The main symptom is the discharge from the ear. This may be abundant or scanty. It may stop for a time and begin again. The hearing may be slightly or seriously impaired. Such patients are not accepted by life insurance companies.

Treatment.—Cleanliness of the parts and perfect drainage must be secured. Syringing with one to fifty carbolic acid solution (acid one part, warm water fifty parts) is good treatment. The opening in the drum should be made large enough to give free discharge to the pus in the middle ear.

The patient's strength must be built up if necessary.

The above snippit is from a free e-book published past the current copyright date laws from the book Mother's Remedies. 
Of course you need to use your current medical knowledge to determine whether the treatments are good or are dangerous to human life.  In most cases, conditions affecting the health of people are easily overcome with good prevention, rest, healthy thinking patterns, exercise and healthy eating habits.  On the other hand it is useful to know what those who lived before us used as remedy even when a doctor was not available to help cure sometimes major aliments.