Nose-Drop Warning

"Largely as a result of commercial advertising, there has been an enormous increase in the use of various oily preparations for application to the nasal passages.

In infants, such applications are not free from danger, for experience has shown that the oil may be drawn into the lung and give rise to a fatal pneumonia. For this reason most pediatric services now prohibit the use of oily substances in the noses of infants under two years of age.''--Dr. John Levi Rice, New York City Health Commissioner, in a warning to his community last week.

Nasal oils can accumulate in the lungs and remain there for life. On their way from the nose and throat they may carry infections causing what is called lipoid (fatty) pneumonia. Death in infants usually results from a secondary pneumonic infection. "Infants," said Dr. Rice, " may recover and general health may improve under proper management, although a residual pneumonic process may persist indefinitely." To prevent such accidents, Dr. Rice advised doctors and parents "not to give oily nose drops to a struggling, rebellious infant." Dr. Bela Schick, child specialist on whom Dr. Rice called for an opinion, "prohibits the use of oils in the noses of infants." Dr. Charles Hendee Smith, another specialist, advised: "Nose drops should not be used in feeble, marantic [emaciated], sick or young infants, certainly not before the age of three months.

Large amounts of oil should never be used. The same precautions should be taken in the administration of oil preparations by mouth." On the other hand, Dr. Isaac Newton Kugelmass, another sensible specialist, said: "Oil medication is an effective means of treating certain conditions in older children, and we must not forego it because some parents are not careful in applying the drops. But in young children only water soluble nose medication should be used in the home.

When receiving nose drops, all children should lie flat on the back and remain there for a few moments while the mucous membranes absorb the medication."

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