DISORDERS OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT.—In the treatment of diseases of the nose, larynx, and lungs formaldehyde has been recommended by a number of observers, in solutions ranging from 2 to 40 per cent. Although these reports merit credence, the fact remains that the irritation produced is such as to deter many from using it in preference to other means.
Excellent results obtained in the treatment of rhinitis, otitis media, and laryngitis by passing through the nose a stream of air which had bubbled through a solution of 5 per cent. of for mol in water. Deschamps (Annales des Mal. de l'Oreille, etc., Apr., '94).
Inhaler devised for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis by formalde hyde which produces a vapor of 2-per cent. to 10-per-cent. strength. The odor may be disguised by Austrian pine. The coughing-spells become less troublesome and the quantity of faetid expectoration is diminished. Rosenberg (Deutsche med. Woch., Nos. 39 and 40, '96).
In the treatment of laryngitis and chronic nasal affections the writer places a 5-per-cent. solution of formalin in a glass carafe and instructs the pa tient to inhale the vapor which arises therefrom on shaking the vessel. This
treatment is carried out two or three times a day and lasts from five to ten minutes. In the treatment of acute laryngitis the results are most favor able, a complete cure being arrived at in from seven to twenty-four hours in the sixteen cases in which it was tried. In three cases of acute coryza the condition disappeared in twenty-four hours after the use of three or four douches of a weak formaldehyde solution. Yatconta (Revue de Th4rap., Apr. 15, '97).
In atrophic rhinitis after removal of all the crusts and debris with a weak alkaline solution, each nostril is thor oughly washed out with a solution of formaldehyde, containing 5 to 10 drops of the 40-per-cent. solution to 8 ounces of warm water. As it is very irritating, a preliminary spraying of the nose with cocaine is advisable. At home patient has I drop added to the solution used in the for the daily cleansing. Under use the crusts diminish in num ber and all unpleasant odor ceases. George L. Richards (N. Y. Med. :Tour., vol. lxvii, p. S26, '98).