Diseases of the larynx / by J. Gottstein ; translated and added to by P. McBride.

  • Gottstein, J.
Date:
[1885]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Diseases of the larynx / by J. Gottstein ; translated and added to by P. McBride. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    267/288 (page 255)
    symptoms of severe stenosis soon result in death. Croup complicating whooping cough does not differ from the simple variety. The laryngeal affections of whooping cough only influence the prognosis in that severe but rare affections (croup and osdema) may cause death. We shall only discuss treatment in so far as attempts may be made to counteract spasm by topical medication of the larynx. Letzerich, on the strength of his theory that whooping cough is caused by the development of fungous growths, has recommended the insufflation of quinine into the trachea and larynx. He orders Quinire muriat. -01-'Ol5 | Sodte bicarb. -015 of a gramme. Gum. arab. -25 ) [1 gramme = 15-43 grams.] This amount to be insufiiated three, four, or six times daily. He states that by this means he has effected a cure of pertussis within eight or ten days. Quinine, according to the most experienced and trustworthy physicians, is also the internal remedy upon Avhich most confidence should be placed in the treatment of whooping cough; it is, indeed, not a specific, but has a decided effect in diminishing and shortening the spasmodic stage. It must, however, remain at present an open question whether the application of the remedy to the larynx is indeed more useful than its internal administration. Besides, insufflations can only be carried out with proper accuracy in older and intelligent children. Inhalations of a corresponding dose of quinine as a spray are probably less efficient in their action than insufflations. Among local remedies we must also reckon inhalations of carbolic acid. By means of Siegie's spray a |-2 per cent, solution of carbolic acid should be inhaled from four to six times a day. It seems that the use of this treatment lessens the severity of the paroxysms and shortens the disease, while no bad effects have been known to result from its use. Watson has recommended the application of a 3-8 per cent, solution of nitrate of silver to the larynx; the remedy is applied every second day. Rehn likewise advises the inhalation of a solution of nitrate of silver. It seems, indeed, that the local application of astringents acts beneficially upon the accompanying laryngeal and bronchial catarrh, although these remedies cannot cure the disease. With this object, Löri has recommended insufflations of sulphate of zinc and alum. He prescribes the following mixture :—