PNEUMONIA (Broncho-Pneumonia).
This affection, most frequently seen in children, is known by a variety of titles as Catarrhal Pneumonia, Lobular Pneumonia, Vesicular Pneu monia, &c. From the pathological standpoint it is really Capillary Bronchitis, and its treatment is to be carried out on the lines detailed in the article on Bronchitis, Capillary, on p. ioS. These run in the main parallel with those of acute croupous pneumonia, hut owing to the frequency with which collapse of the pulmonary vesicles occurs the closest attention must be given to the nature of the sputum, and agents which possess the power of rendering it less adhesive should be administered. Expectorants like Ammonia, Squill, Senega, Iodides, Ipecac. and Antim. Tart. are indi cated, and Opiates in all forms should he discarded or used with extreme caution. The respiratory movements must he assisted as regards the expul sion of the mucus by emetics, friction to the thoracic walls, hypodermic administration of Strychnine, cold and hot affusi on, and even in some cases artificial respiration may be necessary. The temperature of the sick-room should be kept about to F. and the air should he moistened with
-a spray of steam.
Oxygen inhalations are very frequently indicated, and it is a mistake to wait till a high degree of cyanosis supervenes before resorting to the gas. Whilst the usual routine employed in acute pneumonia in addition to that necessary in the treatment of acute bronchitis is clearly indicated, sight must not be lost of the primary conditions to which the pulmonary affection is secondary, and as these are often measles and whooping-cough or influenza a tonic or stimulating dietary with alcohol and strong soups is necessary. In infants alcohol will often save life in this affection, and the best form for administration of the drug will be found in wine-whey made by adding a glass of sherry to a pint of boiling milk and allowing the curd to settle. (See also under Measles and Pertussis.) The after-treatment of bronchopneumonia should he conducted upon the principles now recognised as the routine in pulmonary tuberculosis— open-air life as in a sanatorium, with improved hygiene and forced feeding if necessary.