BRONCHITIS
This is an acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or air passages,
and the treatment is almost identical with that for pneumonia; only
applying the hot compress to the throat or chest, according to which
part exhibits the most soreness.
If the throat is very sore use the
following gargle: Bichromate of potash (pulverized), one drachm;
tincture capsicum, half ounce; pure water, two tablespoonfuls. Shake
until dissolved. Add one teaspoonful of this mixture to
three-fourths of a tumbler of water and gargle the throat every hour
until relieved--then every two hours until well.
ASTHMA.
A mast distressing complaint, and hitherto imperfectly understood. It
has been attributed to innumerable causes, but our contention is that
it is due to an engorged transverse colon, which, interfering with the
free action of the diaphragm, withdraws that amount of impetus from
the lungs, so that they fail to respond to nerve stimulation.
Through inaction, the diaphragm becomes practically a fixed instead of a
movable partition. This contention is borne out by the fact that in
numerous cases where the colon was emptied, the trouble disappeared
and no trouble was experienced so long as the colon was kept clean.
In all cases of asthma the last meal should be a light one, if taken at
all; in fact, it would be well to follow the dietary rules for
dyspepsia, and in addition omit the evening meal.
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