title: Unsuspected factors in 'self-limiting' ailments.
abstract: An unsuspected subtotally perforated eardrum treated with wax softening drops shows how clinical findings do not always correlate with symptoms or history. Attention is drawn to the dilemma posed by delegating matters such as diagnosis and prescribing which have been considered to be purely in the medical sphere.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: McFarlane
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D002571:Cerumen; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000293:injuries*
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs