The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-10-01
DIPTHERIA.
Tho Symptoms Of this Dreaded Dis
ease.-Its Treatment.

ease.-Its Treatment.
D. N. Parsons, NJ. D., writes as fol-
lows in the New England iI0n'esteG'':
This much dreaded affection is OH
independent, acute, specific, infectious
and contagious disease involving the
mucous surfaces OF the throat end nasal
passages, often extending to all the ad-
jacent MUCOUS membranes. This disease
is often epidemic and frequently ls
endemic in Gel ia II places and attacks
persons Of all ages, sexes and conditions
in life.
The aetiology or causes Of diptheria
are numerous. While the disease itself
is not hereditary, yet child OF low
vitality and Of s.rofula habits is much
more likely to have it than one who is
of strong and healthy constitution.
Unfavorable sanitary surroundings, a
lack of proper and sufficient food, insuf-
ficient clothing and frequent exposure
to the wet and cold are among the pre-
disposing causes of this disease. Diph-
liberia IS most common between the
ages OF two and ten. 1t is quite rare
after thirty; but there are times espec-
tally during epidemics, when it attacks
people of all ages, from infancy to old
age.
Symptoms. The symptoms of diptheria
are both general and local. During the
first day or two there is feeling of
languor and prostration, with pains in
the back and limbs and some headache.
Subsequently there is soreness of the
throat and angles of the. jaw, together
with difficulty in swallowing. As these
symptoms increase there is more or
less chillness, followed by fever, and
soon the fauces are seen to be red and
swollen, the tonsils and uvula are
enlarged and covered with the diptheritic
deposit. The presence Of this 'false
membrane" always clearly defines the
disease. Occasionally many OF these
symptoms are wanting, and the first
indication that anything is wrong a
we'll defined appearance of the disease.
Such cases are usually of more malig-
nant type and consequently more apt
to be fatal. The duration is from seven
to fourteen days, although severe cases
may have q fatal termination in from
forty-eight hours to four days.
Treatment. THE treatment Of this
disease should be prompt, energetic
and persistent Medical aid should in
every case OF once be summoned. The
basis of treatment is both hygienic and
medicinal. Isolation of all those not
absolutely obliged to assist in the care
of the patient is imperative; especially is
this true of young children. The air of
the room should be kept ut tempera.
ture of about 70 degrees to 70 degrees
and as pure as it can be by steady, con-
slant ventilation. Some one or more of
the best disinfectants should be en-
ployed freely. All cloths and in fact
everything that can possibly be spared,
should he burned after they are used.
The air of tho room should also be kept
moist. Local applications and med
icines which are ordered by the physic.
ian should lie used at the time and
manner which he directs. We would
impress this upon the attention Of all
who have the nursing of patients Ill
with diphtlcria. The diet should be
plain but nLurishing. 1t is very impor-
tant to keep up the strength and patients
should be urged to take nourishment at
regular intervals, even though they do
not want it.
Do not rc'ax the treatment until you
are sure that al tendency to the forma-
tion of "false membrane" is overcome.
After the disease is passed patients
should take special care to tone up the
system and bring about as soon as pos
sible normal and healthy condition OF
the body. Remember that diphtheria is
a poison disease acting primarily upon
the whole system, and it is therefore
necessary to fortify the body against
subsequent attacks.
.Diphteria is liable to be followed by
important sequelae, principally of the
nervous system. These often postpone
complete recovery for several weeks, but
are rarely fatal.