The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-12-16

The New York Times, of the 3rd inst, has
the following interesting article ondiphtheria,
which win be generally read by those into
whose hands it may fall
Diphtheria has been for several weeks pre-
valent in the city, and continues to be- though
1t is not likely to become epidemic Its late
increase is attributed to the sudden and unsea-
sonabie cold, which usually develops it. The
name comes from Greek word, meaning film
or peilicle that generally forms in the throat
during the process of the disease. 1t was first
applied and the disorder was first described by
bretonneau, noted French physician, who
had been treating very virtulent forms of sore
throat, occurring epidemicly, and, in the main,
In children Diphtheria is apt to be confound-
ed with Group and malignant sore threat, from
both OF which it is distinct in its symptoms as
well as In the nature and position of the NOR
DID changes on the muscous membrane In
Group there is, indeed, a peculiar membrane,
but it is nearly always confined to the air pas
sages and centres in the larynx. In diphtheria
1t commonly begins it the back of the throat,
and otter extends down the gullet Group is,
besides. much more inflammatory than diph-
liberia. Malignant or liberated sore throat is
still more unlike diphtheria, in which, in most
cases, there is no liberation, the mucous mem
brane being simply covered with tissue,
more or less thick, of false membrane. But
both affections are marked by enlargement of
the glands behind the ear and in the neck, gen.
orally in the region Of the parts internally in
fuenced. In diphtheria the throat trouble is
frequently accompanied by low, dangerous
fever, with great and rapid loss of strength, still
further diminished. of course, by the patients
inability to take food. In some cases, not few
In fact, sutfocation ensues, and tracheotomy-
opening the windpipe-has been resorted to,
with occasional success, as the last means to
save life. After the acute symptoms and char
- er have passed recovery may be retarded by
paralytic signs of various sorts, or by extreme
debility, attended with loss of appetite and
exhaustion. Whether the disease is or is not
contagious is still mooted. Bretonneu thought
that it was, and many of our own physicians
after wide and varied experience, agree with
him. Others of equal authority are of con-
trary opinion but these seem a t present to be
in the minority. 1t is usually admitted to be a
specific disease, though divers causes have been
assigned to it. Many consider it due to a par
asitic fungus-0idsaAn dkjacuns-whose sporules
mycelum have been discovered on the mucous
membrane of the mouth, the fauces, and the
aimentaTy canal. Its irritation induces in the
weakened membranes an increased secretion
of epithelal scales and eXuding corpuscles
which, with the fungus, constitute the mem
brane or pelicle. 1t is held by many physicians
that the sporules may, and do, pass from one
person to another and that patients must be
isolated for prudence and proper treatment
Diphtheria, largely ascribed to the foul air OF
sewers and cesspools, prevails most in crowded
and ill-kept quarters of cities. 1t has greatly
increased in this country within few years
and has often proved scourge.