Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-30
THEORY OF A COLD.
An. Excessive Flow of Blood 10 the
Part Affected the Cause.
SIMPLE CORYZA AND ITS CURE.
The Secret is to Draw the Life Fluid Away
From the Head.
WHEN THE LUNGS ARE AFFECTED

the nose, which makes us sueeze, feel
chilly, our head aches, and we cache in our
bones" says the Boston Globe. Another
important symptom is the exudation from
the nose. which causes US to keep hand
kerchief In almost constant use. This
affection is more properly called eoryza.
CoryzI is simply an Inflammation OF the
lining membrane of the nasal cavity. This
membrane extends from the outer edge of
the nose to the upper borders of the throat.
This membrane is well supplied with
blood vessels, and there are minute cells
which exuds clear transparent fluid called
mucus. Now, if greater amount of cold
air than usual strikes part of the body that
is generally well protected. the exudation
of this mueus fluid is at first checked.
The nerves are lrritated, we sneeze,
and an increased flow of mucus
striking the back of the neck,
or the uncovered head, will produce
the same result. in consequence OF this irri-
tatlOn in the living membrane of the nasal
cavity greater amount of blood hurries 10
this locality. Whenever there is more than
the usual amount of blood, the organ, or
membrane, is the more active, and its work
is increased. The presence of this increased
quantity of blood causes Inflammation, and
the mucus continues to flow more rapidly.
HOW WE CATCH COLD.
Generally we are caught by the "cold" in
coming out of a heated ballroom theater
or concert hall. The blood that circulates
near the surface OF the body flows in in
creased quantity on account OF active exer-
else OF the body or high temperature of the
hall. In consequence of this increased
quantity of the blood the nerves are Irritated,
the cells pour out moisture on to the surface,
and we ''perspire'' freely. Now, If any
portion of the surface OF our body is exposed
to gust of "cold" wind, that is air of
lower temperature than the skin, a sudden
check will be given to the radiation of heat
at the surface, and local inflammation re-
suits.
We may "catch cold' in the head, and we
have coryza, or when o! a more serious
nature, influenza. We may "catch cold" in
the throat, and we have tonsilItis, or sore
throat. We NAV "catch cold' in the upper
part of the breathing system (nOt the noSe),
and we have laryngitis, or hoarseness. We
may "catch cold'' on our lungs, and we
have bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema,
anginapectoris and phthisis Consumption.
We may ''catch cold'' in the lining men,
brane of the chest cavity, and we have
pieurisy. A cold on the lungs is serious.
Even if it is only bronchitis, that is some
times fatal. But if the ''eold" goes deeper,
and we are stricken down with pneumonia,
we have all we care for in the line of "a
cold"
THE CAUSE OF COUGH.
The walls of the bronchial tubes and the
cells of the lungs are lined with a mem
brane. This membrane is constantly moist,
as it is in the cavity of the nose. As a re-
suit of irritation, this membrane exudes
more mucus than usual. The mucus fills
the cells and bronchial tubes, and the nerves
are irritated by its presence. A sort of
spasm or cOnvulslye action at once takes
place, in order to get rid of the aceumula-
tion Of mucus. This action is called Cough
ing" We often feel sore in our lungs. This
feeling is caused by the intensely infamed
surface of the lining membrane. We feel
the necessity of attending TO business in
spite of the cold" Yet, if we could realize
the Importance of perfect rest at such a
time, would stop all work at once
The first important tlng to do at the first
sign OF a cold is to rsSt. Give the muscular
and nervous system complete rest The
next step is to reduce 1le increased circula-
tion OF the blood at the affected part. This
can be accomplished in several ways. If
YOU have tincture of aconite in the house it
is one of the best internal remedies Place
ten drops of the rincture of aconite in a cup
or tumDler and add II teaspoonfuls of water
to 1t. This aconite must be dropped ac-
curately, and the water measured accurately.
1t is not safe to take into the system more
tnan three drops of aconite at one dose. As
a dose of the medicine prepared as here
stated take one teaspoonful every hour.
Acouite reduces the rapiditv of the circula-
tion of the blood and bluntS the activity of
the nerves.
THE MUSTARD FooTBATH.
Another remedy is a hot mustard foot
bath. Pour hot water into a pail till it is
two-thirds tull, and stir into the water a
tablespoonful Of mustard. Undress and
prepare to retire. Wrap a heavy blanket
or q quilt about you, sit in a chair and
place your feet in the hot mustard water.
Keep the blanket wrapped closely about
the pail, and shut yourself well within its
folds.
What is the object of this hot foot bath?
To relieve the blood pressure in the head.
There is an unusual amount of boOd rush
ing to YOUR head, and 1u nine cases out of
ten your lower extremities are cold. After
about five minutes OF this treatment remove
one foot at time. See how read it isl
Give it a good rubbing with coarse towel.
Rub the other foot in the same wav and
get into bed. l will answer for it that il
You have taken four or five doses OF the
aconite previous to the foot bath you will
pass into refreshing sleep, and wake up
tine next morning greatly improved.
II is also good plan to apply to the in
side of the nose vaseline or glycerine Do
not snuff irritating drugs up the nose. 1
would not use salt and water, either, but
soothing ointments.
WALKING OFF A COLD.
Now, / think these three lines of treat
ment are sufficient for all ''colds'' in tine
head. If you are caught by a cold at
distance from home, and at a place where
there are no conveniences for treatment, an
excellent plan is to walk it off. :" To carry
out the walking treatment, bundle yourself
well, to protect your throat and body from
the weather and to retain the heat of your
body, then walk till you start perspiration.
What is the effect Of this treatment? It
draws the circulation to the surfaceof the
body, thus relieving the intiamed and over
heated membranes of the cavities of the head.
After this perspiration is aroused, do not cool
off suddenly, but get inside of house,
and allow the active circulation to continue
for time. In the case of a "cold'' on the
chest, nearly the same treatment will be-
directed. An exceedingly valuable remedy
in this case is a turpentlne stupe. Get
piece of flannel about six inches square,
spread it well with lard or vaseline. and