Ears, Eyes and Nose

Foreign object in ear

Lay on your side with the affected ear up. Put several drops of warm olive oil into your ear until you feel the sensation of fullness; wait five minutes. Sit up and tilt your head to the side, with the affected ear pointed downward. If the object was small or was an insect, it should float out with the oil. If this does not produce the object, then seek medical advice.

Note: Do not put oil in your ear if the object is one that would swell -- a bean, wood, or any other absorbent object. If a large object is lodged in your ear, or if you treatment is unsuccessful, seek medical help.

Foreign object in eye

If you can see the object, lift it gently away from your eye with the corner of a clean handkerchief or a clean cotton swab. If you can't see the object, gently pull your upper eyelid out and down over your lower lid. The tears should was the particle from your eye. If you still aren't successful, gently pull your upper lid upward, inverting it. If you see the object, remove it with a cotton swab or the corner of your handkerchief. If you still haven't found it, gently pull your lower lid outward and remove the object. Flush your eye gently with clear, cool water.

Note: If you are unable to remove a large object of if you have particles of metal in your eye, seek medical help immediately. You should also seek medical help if you eye burns for a prolonged period after removing the foreign object or if the surface of your eye is cut.

Nosebleed

Note: If you suspect your nose is broken, do not try to treat it yourself, but seek medical help.

For minor nosebleeds that result from minor injury, allergy or change in altitude, first sit down and lean your head forward to allow any blood to trickle out of the mouth. Apply pressure to your nose by firmly grasping the area just below the bridge of you nose between your thumb and forefinger and apply pressure for five to ten minutes. If the bleeding does not stop within ten minutes, pack the bleeding nostril with sterile gauze and apply firm pressure at the tip of the nose. Apply a cold compress or ice bag to your face and to the base of your skull at the neck. Once the bleeding has stopped, remain quiet and avoid laughing or blowing your nose.

Note: If you cannot control the bleeding within 15 to 20 minutes seek medical help. The nosebleed may be due to high blood pressure or to a fracture of the nose.

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