EPITOME OF TREATMENT.
1. For the attack. Aconite, Ipecac., Cuprum, Lobelia, Ac. Hydrocy., Nat. Sul., Nitrite of Amyl (by inhalation.)
2. Asthma of children. Sambucus, Ipecac., Gelsemium
3. From suppressed eruptions. Graphites, Sulphur, Zincum met.
4. Chronic Asthma. Arsenicum, Nux V., Sulphur, Argentum Nit., Cocc, m Plumb., K. Hydriod.
LEADING INDICATION.
Ipecacuanha. A tight sensation in the chest, panting and rattling in the windpipe, which feels as if full of phlegm; coldness, paleness, anxiety, and sickness; troublesome cough. A dose every ten or fifteen minutes during an attack; afterwards every three or four hours.
Aconitum. The striking power of this great remedy in affections of the pneumogastric nerve characterized by imperfect and laboured breathing, has suggested its use in spasmodic Asthma, during the paroxysms of which we have often administered it with marked and speedy relief. ( A few years ago, a lady, on a visit to Reading, was seized with a severe attack of Asthma; the tightness of the chest and dyspnoea were extreme, and the patient could not lie down. We prescribed Aconite (rad.) in the evening. On visiting the patient early next morning, we found her in breakfast room, and so changed that we did no know her. She was quite well. She had suffered from repeated attacks before, and recoveries were tedious. Just as we were preparing a new edition of this work for the press, the lady again visited Reading, and after having been free since the above attack was again seized with Asthma. We were sent for in great haste, as death seemed imminent. As we were not at home, the messenger the patient’s brother said another medical man must be called in at once, as the symptoms were urgent. The previous treatment of the case was referred to in our case book, and Aconite tita given. In less than ten minutes after taking a dose of the Aconite Mixture the spasm, and when we saw the patient on our return she was quite restored, and needed no further medical treatment). It is especially indicated by oppressive anxiety, dyspnoea, and laboured action of the heart.
Lobelia Inflata. Pure nervous Asthma, with a constrictive, suffocative sensation; spasmodic Cough; Vomiting; giddiness, etc. Baptisia; for simple symptoms.
Cuprum. Also useful in attacks of nervous Asthma.
Nux Vomica. Probably the best anti Asthma remedy. It is homoeopathic to that condition of the digestive system which is the most common cause of the irritation which results in Bronchial Spasm. Again, after the paroxysm sun sides, it leaves a condition of the digestive organs for which Nux Vomica is the great remedy. The tongue is coated with a thick yellow fur; there is often slight nausea, flatulence, and constipation. Besides, the breathing is seldom quite right; generally, there remains a sort of physical memory of the struggle. The patient feels that no liberties must be taken, either of diet or exercise. Out of this secondary state of bondage nothing will liberate so effectually as Nux Vomica (Resell).
Arsenicum. Short, anxious, wheezing breathing; aggravation of the sufferings on lying down, and upon the least movement; periodic, suffocative attacks, with a pale or bluish face. It is especially useful in the aged and feeble, and in chronic Asthma, with burning heat in the chest, cold sweats, and prostration; also when complicated with Heart disease, or following Bronchitis or Catarrh. When Arsen. relieves the attack, Thuja, in occasional doses, will often do much to prevent their recurrence.
Veratrum. Violent paroxysms of spasmodic Asthma. with coldness of the nose, ears, and feet, cold perspirations, and great prostration.
Sulphur. Chronic Asthma apparently connected with Gout, skin eruptions, or some other constitutional taint; also after other medicines have but partly succeeded.
Ant. T., K. Hydriod., Eup. Perf., Rumex, and Belladonna should be noted. The vaccine treatment of asthma has distinct value and should be considered if remedies fail (See chronic Intestinal Toxaemia.)
ACCESSORY MEANS. During a fit, striking relief may often be obtained by putting the feet and hands into hot water. Smoking Stramonium at the commencement of a fit removes it like a charm in some; in others, however, it fails altogether; the inhalation of Aconite vapour is much more certain and efficacious; also of Sulphur, Turpentine, or common Salt, either inhaled from hot water, or by spray producer. Coffee, as strong as it can be made, and as hot as it can be taken, without milk or sugar, is sometimes palliative. Holding the breath as long as possible helps to relax the Spasm. In obstinate cases inhalation of Chloroform may be employed to relax the contracted muscular fibres. Tobacco smoking, and other such measures, are of no ultimate utility, and are, moreover, rendered unnecessary by homoeopathic treatment. Relief is often obtained by the fumes of burning Nitre on a plate, which is done by placing some pieces of blotting paper, about the size of the hand, previously saturates in s solution of the nitrate of Potash one of these pieces being ignited, the fumes are diffused throughout the room, and their influence is soon made evident. At the same time ventilation must not be neglected; the windows should be regularly thrown wide upon the renew the air of the apartment.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES. Persons predisposed to Asthma should strictly avoid all its exciting causes, especially indigestible food and heavy suppers; wet feet, damp clothes, and sudden changes of temperature. The inclination to stooping should be corrected, and the shape and capacity of the chest improved by a systematic course of drilling. The plan of dietary sketched in the first chapter of this volume should be adhered to; for the slightest disorder of the stomach may occasion an attack. Pastry, highly seasoned dished, too great a variety or too great a quantity at one meal, coffee, and heating beverages, should be avoided. More is to be done for asthmatic patients on the aide of the stomach than in any other direction. In some cases the diet should be weighted, the hours of meals fixed, and rigidly adhered to. An important point is to take the last solid meal at such an hour as shall allow time for its complete digestion before retiring to bed. Although suppers are generally injurious, a cup of bread and milk or a small sandwich is is acceptable in the evening, and is by no means hurtful to an asthmatic patient desiring food at that time.
When well borne, the Shower bath is a valuable and potent agent to fortify the body against Asthma; the sudden application of water strengthens the whole system, and renders the body less, sensitive to atmospheric changes. Out of door exercise, walking or riding, is also useful; but it should not be taken within one or two hours after a meal, or to such an extent as to occasion fatigue.
111. Pneumonia Inflammation of the LUngs.
DEFINITION. Acute Inflammation of the true lung tissue, in contradistinction to that which affects the air tubes of the lungs (Bronchitis), and that of the investing membrane of the lungs (Pleurisy); the febrile symptoms are severe, appear very rapidly, and, in favourable cases, as rapidly disappear between the fifth and tenth days, while the products of the Inflammation still remain.
If one lung only be involved, it is termed single pneumonia; if both, double. The latter occurs in about one out of every eight cases; in the single variety two cases out of every three are Pneumonia of the right lung. The portions chiefly involved are the lower posterior and the base of the lung. The disease frequently co-exists with Pleurisy, when the double affection is called Pleuro pneumonia.
SYMPTOMS. Pneumonia generally comes on insidiously with restlessness and febrile disturbance, and sometimes had made great progress before the true character of the disease has been discovered. There is deep seated, dull pain, referred to the scapulae, or felt as an oppression under the sternum; a great feeling of illness; frequent, short cough, with expectoration of viscid matter of a green, yellow, or rust colour, sometimes tinged with blood, which forms such tenacious masses that inversion of the vessel containing then will not detach them. The breathing is hurried and difficult; the skin hot, especially in the regions of the ribs and armpits; there is not moisture in the nostrils which flap, and the eyes are tearless; there exists great thirst; interrupted, hesitating speech; the pulse is variable, being sometimes rapid and full, at other times hard and wiry, or quick and weak; the urine is scanty, red, and sometimes scalding; and the patient lies either on the affected side or on his back. If the disease in unchecked, the face often exhibits patches of redness and lividity; the blood vessels of the neck become swollen and turgid; the pulse weak, irregular, or thready; and the patient may sink, either form exhaustion or from obstruction of the lungs.
PHYSICAL SIGNS. On percussing the chest of a person in health, a hollow resonant sound is returned, proving the presence of air. If we apply a stethoscope to the chest, we hear, as the patient breathes, certain sounds produced by the air entering the air cells, the vesicular murmur. In Pneumonia these sounds become changed; there is dullness on percussion; and in the first stage, by auscultation, minute crepitation may be heard, which has been compared to the sound produced by rubbing a lock of hair between the finger and thumb close to the ear. In the next stage the sound just described cannot be heard, for as the Inflammation proceeds, the soft and spongy character of the lung is lost, as it becomes consolidated by organization of the effused fibrine in the air cells, and resembles the cut surface of the liver; this condition is called Hepatization, when the stethoscope is applied over the solidified lung, the breath sounds are heard in an exaggerated from. Percussion elicits great dullness over the whole of the affected part. During convalescence, as the air cells open, minute crepitation may be again heard, and afterwards the natural vesicular murmur.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."