The Science of Therapeutics - Classical Homeopathy Online

Full text of "The Science of Therapeutics: According to the Principles of Homeopath...Page 294 of 653pathological conditions. The entrance of air into the pleural cavis most commonly the result of a perforation of the pulmonarypleura occasioned by ulcerous or other destructive processes in tlungs, or by the escape of pus from the pleural cavity into thelungs ; much less frequently by a separation of the external wallof the pleural cavity. Tuberculosis is the most common cause ofthis accident; the next most common cause is purulent pleuritis,and the least common is gangrene of the pulmonary tissue.Pneumothorax is always a terminal disease which very speedilyends in death unless the opening through which air penetrates intthe thorax, closes in good season. This, however, is very seldom844 Diseases of the Pleura.the case. The excessive apnoea which generally sets in all at oncand is attended with symptoms of the most marked interferenceof the circulation ; the great expansion of the intercostal spacethe aftected side; the very full percussion-sound which changes ilocation with the posture of the patient and is generally associawith the metallic tinkling, without any respiratory murmur beingaudible; the amphoric resonnance and the metallic tinkling duringauscultation render the diagnosis certain beyond all reasonabledoubt.That a cure of this dangerous condition is possible, is undoubtedan established fact ; but such cures are extremely rare. But it ilikewise certain that medicinal treatment is utterly powerless insuch cases. [This statement is too sweeping. It may be necessaryto puncture the chest-walls for the purpose of relieving the patifrom the excessive dyspnoea and the displacement of the viscera.Otherwise palliative treatment by means of stimulants for the purpose of overcoming collapse, diminishing the dyspnoea and relievithe pain, is not only proper, but indispensable. Small doses ofMorphia and alcoholic stimulants, even pure alcohol, may be ofgreat use. If the subsequent reaction is of an inflammatorycharacter, with heat of the skin, a hard and strong pulse, soreneand pain of the aftected side, the same treatment is to be pursuethat has been indicated for pleurisy. H.]/■ 1(p'-)o \ ^http://www.archive.org/stream/sciencetherapeu00kafkgoog/sciencetherapeu00kafkgoog_djvu.txt