gauze is put into the canal for
drainage and protection. This syringing can be done from two to four to
five times a day, and gradually decrease the number of times as the
discharge lessens. It must be syringed and dressed often enough to allow a
free discharge and produce cleanliness.

Recovery.--The result of this disease cannot be told at the outset. The
majority of such attacks end favorably, with care and treatment; this in
persons of good constitution and health. It may run ten days to three to
six weeks. In tuberculous patients the result is not so favorable.
Recovery follows as a rule in this disease following scarlet fever and
measles, but not so quickly, and there may be a discharge for some time,
due to chronic disease of the ears, etc.

Complications and results.--In the majority of cases, in ordinarily
healthy persons, this disease runs its course without doing any great
amount of damage to the organ of hearing, and without involving any
structure lying outside of the middle ear proper. In scarlet fever,
measles, la grippe, or nasal diphtheria, actual destruction of tissue
often takes place in some part of the middle ear before it is recognized.
Sometimes it results the same way even when it is discovered in time.

Caution.--A person who has had this disease should be very careful not to
take cold. The patient should take plenty of time to get well and strong.
The diet should be liquid mostly.

[EYE AND EAR 365]

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 aga