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Home Medical and Vet Remedies, as Recommended by 19th and 20th century Doctors and Vets! |
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Home Medical and Vet Remedies, as Recommended by 19th and 20th century Doctors and Vets! |
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Inflammation of the Tear-Duct.Several causes may operate to close this channel into the nose. A disease of the bone of the nose, such as often results from constitutional syphilis, may obstruct the tear-duct. A more common cause, perhaps, is an inflammation resulting from exposure to cold. Symptoms.-One of the first symptoms perceived by the patient is the flowing of the tears over the lid. Indeed, in many cases, this is the only symptom complained of, and this may have lasted for years before the patient seeks medical advice. But, sooner or later, there usually occurs a feeling of tenderness and pain in one side of the nose, near the angle of the eye; the escape of the tears over thev lid is much increased. In a few days a decided swelling becomes apparent at the tender spot on the nose; the skin over the spot is red and sore. The swelling, redness and soreness maybe so great that the patient and his friends believe that he has erysipelas. After a time there usually occurs a formation of matter at the swollen point; and unless properly and promptly treated, this matter breaks out through the skin, making a ragged and ugly opening, and one which it is extremely difficult to heal. This accident may be anticipated if the patient experiences a sudden sense of relief from the intense pain which he has experienced during the previous days. In some cases the swelling extends from the side of the nose to the eyelids, which become so swollen and puffed that the eye cannot be opened. If the disease be allowed to run its course without treatment, the matter which has formed finally discharges spontaneously, the inflammation subsides and the parts regain their natural appearance ; but in most cases a small opening remains at the side of the wound. This communicates with the tear-duct and through it the tears constantly escape onto the cheek. The result of this constant irritation is a soreness and rawness of the skin - eczema. Treatment*-During the early days of the attack, the treatment must consist in measures which shall promote the formation of matter, since it is usually impossible to prevent matter from forming. The patient will experience most relief from the applications of hot fomentations, either as cloths wrung out of hot water or as linseed poultices. These should be changed frequently, say every two or three hours, in order to keep the inflamed skin moist and warm. As soon as it becomes evident that matter has formed, an opening must be made to permit the pus to escape. This is far better than to wait until the matter breaks through the skin spontaneously, since the scar left by the knife will be smaller and less ragged than the one which will otherwise be produced. The surgeon who makes the opening will probably find it necessary to pass silver probes through the tear-duct in order to open the channel and keep it enlarged so that no further obstruction shall occur. In most cases considerable difficulty will be experienced in persuading this opening to heal, since the tears will escape constantly from the duct and keep the wound from healing. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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