Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-12-03
(From the Cincinnati Rnqulrerj
DR.. Wolfe on Consumption and Medica-
ted Inhalation.
LETTER XVIII.
TIME TO TREAT CONSUMPTION.

TINE TO TREAT CONSUMPTION.
In discussing the question of treatment,
upon the period of the complaint at which
case Of consumption presents itself for treat
ment, will very much depend the probabih
ity of cure. | have pointed out, that the
earlier a case is taken in hand the greater the
certainty of a cure and that tho chances of
this favorable result diminish in an almost
arithmetical proportion, the more the disor,
ganization Of the lungs 10 allowed TO pro-
gress before applying for treatment. TN
fortunately, the largest proportion Of these
cases, which have hitherto come under my
care, have been in the last stage Of confirm
ed consumption-cases in which part of ono
or both lungs was not only broken down in-
to ulcerous cavities, but the strength of the
constitution exhausted by the progress of
the disease, and by the different kinds of
treatment to which they had been subject
ed. | need hardly say, that such cases are
no proper test of the efficacy of any system
of treatment Humanity, with the desire to
relieve, is the only influence that can induce
the physician to receive such as patients at
all--since many seek for treatment in an ut
terly hopeless state, and can but be made
comfortable by the highest skill within the
power Of man.
have been obliged to refuse several np-
plcants who we're so far gone, that even the
poor comfort of temporary relief seemed un.
available. Yet, notwithstanding all these
disadvantages and discouragements larg,
er proportion of recoveries have taken place
among this class, through the instrumental
ity Of Inhalation, than has ever hitherto been
possible to attain from any and every other
means of treatment. have cases now un.
der treatment, where there are cavities in
one or both lungs, which, humanity speakt
ing feel confident of restoring to health.
This, then, should be firmly impressed on
the mind, that the earlier the presence of
pulmonary disease can be detected, and the
sooner the patient comes under treatment,
the better chances for deriving benefit, and
stronger probability of ultimate cure; hut to
insure this, the treatment must be perseverI
ed in as long as the least vestige OF disease
remains, for it would act as an irritating
nucleus for the reproduction of the COM
plant
1t will be recolected that the commence
ment of consumption, is he deposit of grey
tubercles In the lungs, and that this is COM
monty synchronous with the little hack and
short windedness on exertion, that are usu-
ally the first symptoms remarked by the pa !
tients or their friends In the second stage
these tubercles undergo a change of struct
ure, and become yellow and cheesy. Now
the hack becomes a decided cough, and o
sticky, clear or grsyish mucus is expeetora-
ted chiefly in the morning. The third stage
consists in the yellow tubercles becoming inI
filtrated with matter, soItening down, breaks
ing into the bronchial tubes, being expecto-
rated, and leaving cavities, secreting mat
ter. In this stage, we have hectic fever, exr
hausting sweats and diarrhea, with the 9TH
or concomitants that rapidly wear out the
patti ut.
The specific manner in which Inhalation
acts upon these several phases of disease
will form the subject of my next letter.
NIB. WOLFE, M. D.
Physician for diseases of the Lungs and
Throat, No SO, Ninth street, Cincinnati o.
Psi have prepared a "Circular" for the
use Of those who may wish to consult me
respecting my method Of treating diseases
of the lungs, who reside at a distance from
the city, or who cannot visit me personally
The circular contains list of questions REL
latiDg to the symptoms by which consump
ton and its different varieties are known
and by answering which correctly, persons
| from abroad are enabled to send me cor
rect statement of their condition for advice
and treatment In this manner am ena'
abled to put persopsunder treatment by med
icated inhalation at their own homes in al
parts of the county where express facilities
are afforded, by sending them medicines, in
haler and full directions for their use =
Many have thus been restored to health, wh'
to all human seeming were hurrying int
the consumptive's grave.
Application for the circular must be &C
companied with postage stamp to pay re
turn postage.
Address DR.. N. B. WOLFE, Box 234O, Gin
oinnati. O.