Upon returning home, I received a frantic call from Steve (Izzy's Dad). It transpired that Izzy had chronic ear-ache and because it was Sunday (and no Doctors were working), he didn't know what to do.
Pic.No.1. The insides of an ear
As luck would have it, I remembered that my father was a Doctor, so I gave him a call to work out a course of action. And in case you were wondering (or know people with dodgy ears who might appreciate the advice), here is how to treat ear-ache.
1. Administer a painkiller to deal with the pain. With children, Calpol is perfect. With adults, any normal painkiller will do.
2. Heat up some Olive Oil for relief. The Olive Oil should be on the warmer side of luke-war, but not boiling (obviously). Using a teaspoon, carefully drip 5-6 drops of oil into the ear and then gently massage in. This helps unblock any ear wax that is trapping fluid in the inner ear and causing pain.
3. Get out the Olbas Oil or any other 'Decongestant Inhalant Menthol Oil'. Put twelve drops into a bowl of steaming water and then put the person's head over the bowl, cover it with a towel and make them breath in the vapours for at least 15 minutes. This also helps to clear any blokages that are preventing fluid in the inner from escaping.
Finally, if the above does not cure the problem within 12 hours, a trip to the Doctors is necessary because an infection is probably present which requires the prescription of anti-biotics.
Ooh, look at me. I am like a Public Service Announcement.
Top public service information there Annie. I shall get right on it. Stat. As they say on medical problems. I don't have olive oil to spare, just what I have in the kitchen for cooking. Will Castrol GTX do?
ReplyDeleteDo you think this will work on dogs?
ReplyDeleteFantastic !!! I have been administering KARVOL to teens with blocked up noses...eww !
ReplyDeleteYes! I did the whole sheebang with tea towel over the head & inhail jobby... like wot I did when I was your age....
"WOT ??? No - there is no- quick fix "
Daughter hit her head on bath ..oh deerie me !
I may have sounded harsh...
ReplyDelete"Oh dear- never mind- carry on"
( not like me at all in truth )
You certainly are!
ReplyDeleteThis will come in handy for hubby Ron. He has had ear problems 'on and off' over the years due to being a competitive swimmer at university. We will try this out next time. Thanks so much Dr. Annie!
You are welcome me lovely Jim!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if it works
Eh Clare, yes I should imagine that it would work on mutts; they are like people except more basic.
ReplyDeleteOh yes Bren, I think Castrol GX will work wonderfully. And it will give the patient a bit of a kick to boot.
ReplyDeleteBouncing off the walls will help distract them from the ear-ache!
On the states, Whiskey would be a part of that some place....That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother put hot mustard plasters on everything and my grandfather "blew" on it to clear it out...beyond those cures...if they didn't work...it was fatal :)
ReplyDeleteSound advice, doc, but you haven't told us whether it worked or not.
ReplyDeleteHiya Masher, actually no, it didn't work. She ended up having to go to the Doctors for anti-biotics!
ReplyDeleteI had so much olive oil in my ears growing up I'm surprised my folks just didn't shake my head over their salads.
ReplyDeleteApparently our daughter Amanda inherited my propensity for ear troubles. Her pediatrician had us use Auralgan drops. They are a God send and still available.
I hope Miss Izzy bounces back soon. Have NG give her ear a lick. Dog saliva is a well known cure for ear aches.
You didn't sound harsh Penny!! /what are you like ya loser! xx
ReplyDeletemym mum didnt put olive oil in my ear. just mixed some olbas oil and warm water and dropped two drops in. lay on one side then the other to empty my eaar... getting better
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are getting better. Sounds like a pretty sound thing to ease the earache.
ReplyDelete_____