Rabinschek also speaks well of the results obtained from swabbing the pharynx and epiglottis with a solution of mercuric chloride 1 in 1000.
A small tampon of cotton saturated with a 1 to 1000 solution of corrosive sublimate is to be introduced into the back of the mouth and pressed against the lower part of the tongue in such a way that the liquid will bathe the epi glottis and the neighboring mucous membrane.
This method, with which good results have been obtained, was applied in 71 cases of whooping-cough by Rocco Gen tile; 35 patients were cured after from three to twelve applications; 13 were considerably ameliorated, and the others interrupted the treatment or complica tions supervened which did not depend upon the whooping-cough.
One of the greatest benefits to be de rived from this treatment is the rapid cessation of the vomiting which con tributes so much to weaken the patients, who lend themselves very readily to the treatment and become rapidly accus tomed to the introduction of the tampon. Rabinschek (Bull. Med. de Paris, Sept. 13, '97).
Fifty-six cases treated with corrosive sublimate. The following solution was used:— Corros. sublimate, 0.50 (gr. viiss). Sodium chloride (chemically pure), 0.10 (gr. ij).
Distilled water, 1000 Mix and filter.
All accessible parts of the pharynx, epiglottis, tonsils, etc., should be painted with a soft, long-handled brush dipped in this solution, from once to three times daily, according to the severity of the ease. The patient should be fed before painting to prevent irritation of the empty stomach by the small quantity of the solution which is swallowed during its application and to obviate the pos sibility of local disinfection being neu tralized by ingestion of food immediately after the painting. Of the 56 cases, ranging from four months to thirty three years of age, 39 were cured with one daily application and 17 more serious eases with complications received two or three daily applications, supplemented by the remedies commonly used in per tussis. In all a cure was effected in from ten days to one month. C. Calabro (La Pediatria, year x, No. 1, 1902).
Nasal insufflations of powders contain ing quinine have also been strongly rec ommended. The great objection to such therapeutics is that every application is resisted to the utmost by the child, the mere sight of the brush or spray throw ing it into a state of terror. The inhala
tion of an antiseptic vapor is a much easier method of attaining the same ob ject. Creasote, carbolic acid, cresolin, eucalyptol, or thymol may in solution be readily volatilized by heat and its vapor be diffused through the air and inhaled unconsciously by the little patient. By this method we obtain not only an anti septic, but an action on the respiratory passages, and may unques tionably lessen the frequency and sever ity of the spasm. The best results are obtained when the patient is made to breathe a strongly-charged atmosphere for one or two hours two or three times a day; but caution must be exercised lest irritation of the kidneys be induced. It is also to be remembered that no antisep tic medication will take the place of pure air.
Naphthalin-vapor employed with brill iant results, causing a rapid diminution in the cough and cure of the disease: 3 '/, to 5 drachms of naphthalin should be placed in an earthen dish, and heat applied so that the drug will be slowly vaporized. The fumes are pungent and provoke cough. Use of this agent is contra-indicated in subjects suffering from tuberculosis. Chavernac (Med. Age, Aug. 25, '92).
About 20 grains of menthcl should be dissolved in 1 ounce of liquid vaselin in an ordinary nasal spray-producer; as soon as a paroxysm begins, or preferably as soon as the patient feels that one is impending, a fine cloud of spray is dif fused in front of the face, the spray producer being held about two feet away; by this means the air in front of the nose and mouth is saturated with the oily particles, and at each inspiration they are drawn into the air-passages; this is quite painless, but occasionally a slight spasm of the glottis occurs. The effect of this inhalation is quickly seen, for the mucus is rapidly expectorated and the paroxysm is soon over, so that convulsions are less frequent and vomit ing is rare, with the result that the pa tient loses his dread of taking food and eats with a better appetite, his general condition being thus kept at a much higher level. S. A. Bontor (W. London Med. Jour., July, '97).