Clinch Valley News

Your Ears In Winter
John Joseph Gaines, M.D.

Most ear-troubles are born and bred in the nasal passages. In these intelligent days, parents are careful to take their children to the capable doctor-to see about possible adenoids, tonsillar infections, and the like; it is good sane procedure.

Far back in the nostril, begins the little "eustachian tube" or canal, which leads from the outer air to the real inside of the ear-the "middle ear." Through this canal, germs find their way. Then abscess of the ear may result-always dangerous to the hearing. I hate to run up against a bulging ear-drum-a case of ear ache!

The nasal passages should be kept clean, as far as is possible; a good nasal spray with a capable antiseptic solution-always selected by your physician-should be kept and used intelligently. I do not recommend nasal douches-quantities of fluid soused into the nose-which may actually force germs into the eustachian canals, instead of washing them all out! No other than a specialist should force fluid into and through the nasal passages.

One should always be gentle in applying self-treatment to the air-passages of the head. I do not believe in pinching the nose and "snorting" hard, to force air into the ear-drums. It is a sure way of advancing the infection upward-it is laying the foundation for future trouble with the ears and hearing.

There is no excuse for permitting the little boy or girl to carry a "running nose" to school or wherever they go. These days of nice sprays should keep everything in order. Another caution: Don't rely on the radio for your choice of antiseptics or treatments; ask your physician, whose interest is in something else than your pocket-book.