DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT. — In phthisis iodine has been recommended, but it is doubtful whether it is productive of much benefit. Inhala tions of its vapor have been extolled as an excellent stimulant to the mucous membrane. The danger of hmmoptysis is always present, however, and is likely to be increased by stimulation of this kind.
In the early stages the local applica tion of iodine over the threatened or dis eased area is of great service. The front and back of the chest may be painted on alternate days, thus keeping the patient under the influence of the remedy. The application of cotton-wadding over the painted areas tends to increase the effi cacy of the treatment.
In pleuritic effusions, pleurodynia, circumscribed pneumonia and bronchitis, the same proceeding is sometimes re markably effective, especially if the region is kept warm.
Iodide of potassium and sodium can be employed with advantage in the chronic forms of croupous pneumonia and the pneumonia following or complicating influenza, beginning on or about the twelfth day of the disease. In doses of 23 to 30 grains per day for adults, and proportionately smaller ones in children. G. Zielinski (Univ. Med. Jour., July, '93).
Iodide of potassium is particularly valuable in asthma, especially when com bined with belladonna. An efficacious preparation is the following: 1 Iodide of potassium, 2 drachms. Water, enough to dissolve the io dide, Then add:— Tincture of belladonna, 2 drachms. Syrup of orange-peel, enough to make 3 ounces.
It is an error to suppose that potas sium salts are especially poisonous to the heart. The sodium salt has no ad
vantage, and is just as liable to produce iodism. The iodides are useful (1) for dyspnwa of a secondary nature, (2) in troubles of intrapulmonary circulation, (3) for reducing the volume of aneu risms, (4) for reducing the size of a tu mor and thus relieving the symptoms of compression. G. SC.e (Le Bull. MC'd., Aug. 15, 'SS).
In the peribronchial enlargements so frequently encountered in scrofulous children the exhibition of iodine is often attended by considerable benefit, espe cially when combined with local applica tions. The syrup of the iodide of iron, given in 5-drop doses, three times daily and gradually increased, is especially valuable in this connection.
In naso-pharyngeal affections weak so lutions of iodine in glycerin are of great value, when gently applied night and morning with a camel's-hair pencil or a pledget of cotton. Lacrymal disorders are also benefited by the same applica tions; when iodine is simultaneously painted over the thyroid cartilage, the effect is enhanced.
Good results obtained in the treatment of atrophic naso-pharyngeal affections from the application of pure tincture of iodine. After cleansing and using a 5 per-cent. solution of cocaine the iodine is lightly applied with a small brush of absorbent cotton. The applications are made at first every second day; later on, once a week. Hunter Mackenzie (Brit. Med. Jour., Apr. 27, '95).