The Science of Therapeutics - Classical Homeopathy Online

Full text of "The Science of Therapeutics: According to the Principles of Homeopath...Page 104 of 653firm, compact cylinder is of rare occuiTence ; more commonly theexudation adheres to the mucous lining in the shape of patches ofvarious sizes. Sometimes, side by side with firm membranouspatches, a portion of the exudation is seen converted into pus oreven ichor, or feeble traces of vascularity are observed on the sadhering to the mucous membrane. Very commonly though notregularly, the pharynx is involved in the morbid process, but always only to a limited extent. Less frequently, but not by anymeans very rarely, the exudative process spreads to the bronchiaand the lungs.In a majority of cases, croup is preceded by a preliminary stagewhich is, however, not well defined. The children are less cheerfLaryngotracheitis Crouposa. 115tlian usual, they cough with a somewhat unusual sound, are somewhat hoarse, with a little roughness in the throat, have slight fmotions, etc. These symptoms are so trifling that they are mostcommonly overlooked, if the children are otherwise strong and vigorous. In very rare, or rather in exceptional cases, croup is preceded by a nasal catarrh which, when present, is a tolerably certguarantee against the possible occurrence of croup; in general, ttransition from an ordinary catarrh of the respiratory organs tocroup is not often noticed. The precursory symptoms very seldomprecede the outbreak of the real disease longer than a day.This outbreak generally takes place about midnight. After sleeping quietly for a few hours, the children have a few short turnscough, or sometimes are roused from their sleep by a severe paroxysm. The cough has a sound that is very difficult to describe ; iresembles most nearly the bark of a watch-dog ; it is a hoarse cohaving a metallic ring and is forced out with great vehemence.These peculiar features are so striking, that the very first turncough rouses the family from their sleep by its unusually loud anshrill ring. At the same time the voice becomes husky, loses itsresonance, and seems labored ; the inspirations are somewhat impeded, although not yet to a very high degree, audible, wheezing,and prolonged. This makes the patient restless and anxious. Thefever is scarcely ever very high, but the larynx is very frequentsensitive to contact. Sometimes the child falls asleep again afteshort turn of cough, and it is only the wheezing inspirations thabetray the presence of the terribly threatening danger. In themorning, the little patient may feel quite well, except perhaps alittle weak and languid.Up to this period, croup resembles an ordinary attack of laryngitis so perfectly that it is often impossible to distinguish onethe other. This uncertainty and vagueness of the symptoms maycontinue during the second and even third night, although thecroupy character of the attack becomes more and more marked asthe disease progresses on its course. As a rule, the affection prall its frightful features on the second day, or even at the veryset of the attack. The cough may not become more frequent orviolent, but it is less sonorous, more distressing and wheezing,fills the children with inexpressible agony. As soon as they become aware of the approach of a paroxysm of cough, they raisethemselves in their beds, hold on with spasmodic energy to the pehttp://www.archive.org/stream/sciencetherapeu00kafkgoog/sciencetherapeu00kafkgoog_djvu.txt