Arizona republican., 1893-03-05
CATARRH.
II.
BY WIN. W. HIBBARD, MIDI

In an article published week ago in
The REPUBLICAN the writer referred to
this distressing affection in a general
way. At this time reference will be
made more pecially to the distinctive
features OF chronic nasal cataIrh. The
term, catarrh, may refer to any one Of
the inflammations of the mucous mem
branes attended with increased Sc.
cretions. Thus in general the meaning
of the word may be applied to condi-
tions OF the stomach, bladder, intes-
tines, etc. We, however, intend at
this time to limit the term to inflam-
matory affections Of the upper part of
the air passages, resulting in a chronic
inflammation and consequent derange-
ment of the normal conditions OF the
parts involved. This troublesome af-
lection is as common among children
as adults and ia found not rarely in
those who are seemingly OF a healthy
constitution. The worst and most OBJ
stinate form is seen in those who are of
scrotulitic habit or who have a weakly
constitution from birth. In such cases
there is an extension OF the inhamma-
ton to the remote parts of the little
cavities within the bones back OF the
nose. The discharge is very offensive.
Not uncommonly in such cases little or
no discharge takes place by the nose,
but what is secreted passes down the
pharynx, the back part of the throat.
The stage OF the catarrh which most
frequently presents itself to the physi-
clan is usually accompanied by the fol.
lowing symptoms: The patient COM
plains OF stopped up feeling in
breathing. especially when in the
recumbent position there is a dryness
in the throat and mouth particularly at
night--also a considerable effort at
clearing the throat shortly after arising
in the morning as well as throughout
the day more or less of trying to rid
oneself Of an accumulation OF thick
tenacious mucus which continually ac-
cumulates in the posterior part OF the
throat. The nostrils may be dry they are
usually quite irritable and susceptible
to atmospheric and other changes, and
when irritated from one cause or an
other Shiny discharge occurs. In
many cases dull heavy pain is present
in the forehead at times very severe and
requiring treatment. CoDsidera bic dry.
bcbS III tic LHlOdb ic lldullcSlcu anu TIE
mucous membrane OF the parts becomes
thickened. Sometimes there is dry
tickling cough The sense OF smell is
somewhat blunIed and maybe con-
siderably. So likewise the sense OF
taste. In many cases the middle ear is
affected and variety OF noises may oc-
cur besides impairment of hearing.
Occasionally the catarrhal inflammation
extends to she eve. On examination of
the nasal cavities by the nasal
speculum the mucous membrane is
found darker than the normal color,
it is also thickened to the de-
gree that the parts may bulge
out and occupy part OF the nasal
chamber thus making breathing some
what difficult. When the parts are
pressed upon with probe they can
not be reduced, but only intented and
the indenture soon disappears upon
the withdrawal Of the probe. The
causes of chronic nasal catarrh are
numerous most OF which are connected
with the habits OF civilized life, for this
disease is not commonly found among
animals even among those domesticated.
The savage tribes do not suffer to any
tAItnu rum WIS dllulenG SO lar as we
know. Undoubtedly changeable eli
mate where there is frequent catching
OF cold as it Is termed, predisposes to
chronic inflammation Of the mucous
membrane thus weakning the tone of
the parts attacked. The breathing of
confined air in an i'll ventilated room,
especially during the night when there
is an absence Of sun light frequently
causes cstarrh, so also vicious habits
and everything that tends to lower the
vitality of the system and thus develop
the disease. Catarrhal inflammation is
traceable in many cases to an atmos-
pheric cause. A current of cold air
striking some exposed part of the body.
A person going from heated room into
cold atmosphere il in debilitated
condition is liable to have catarrhal in
flammation Being exposed to damp
ness tends also to irritate the mucous
membrane. Heredity as has heretofore
been remarked is not infrequently an
unmistakeable cause. In truth it may
be said that so marked is the tendency
developed in some families that even II
the mem bership be a large one, every
member is thus afflicted.
fContinuad Nc rob ioth