The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-16
TREATMENT OF LA GRIPPE.
Remedies Found EfFicaciOus by New
York Physician.
DR. r. A. Hofheimer in Gaillard's Medical

DR. j. A. Hofheimer, in Galllards Medlcal
Journal.
La grippe is an infectious disease whose
specific germ is bacillus possessing the
power of augmentation or subdivision, thus
multiplying with great rapidly when a IA
Vorable medium is attacked. 1t is taken
into the body from the atmosphere through
the nose and mouth. It's action causes
congestion of the air passages tnose, throat
and lungs, similar to acute catarrhal con-
ditionS.
But further. it causes severe constitution
al disturbances which manifest themselves
by neuralgias, muscular pains myalgias),
fever and chills; and causes congestion of
various internal organs, leaving the patient
debilitated with weak heart, neurasthenia
and frequently with weakened lungs and
kidneys. These latter conditions are often
aggravated by remedies injudiciously taken
during the disease, and fatal terminations
are sometimes traceabie to the use of drugs
which are calculated to further depress the
already weakened system.
Bearing in mind the leading symptoms and
tendency of this disease, it is wise to avoid
any drug which will weaken the hearts ac-
ton or depreSS the patients vitality IN any
way Most drugs used to relieve pain are
depressing in their after effects. Most
drugs used to reduce fevers are weakening
upon themselves the risk of dosing with
phenacetine, antpyrin, antifibrin, etc. These
drugs should only be used under competent
medical advice, for cases of dangerous syn
cope have followed upon the careless par
taking of these remedies.
Among the drugs practically harmless and
at the same time efficacious can be mem
toned quinine. This drug in small doses
strengthens the hearts action and reduces
the fever besides acting as an internal anti
septic. As quinne in small doses alone will
not relieve the pains or headache, nor en-
trely reduce the fever 1 have been in the
habit of combining with It phenalgin, as
Quinine three (8) grains in capsules, phe-
nalgin five or ten @ or 10) grains IN pow
ders at one Dose to be taken every three
hours This formula has proven very sue
cessful in aborting what might have been
a severe attack of la grippe and rapidly
curing milder cases.
In common with many of the profession
it had been my habit prior to my acquaint-
ance with the stimulant nondepressant
character of phenalgin to prescribe alcoholic
stimulants when giving the other coal tar
products to overcome their depressing eff
feet But the free use of alcohol Is always
followed by great depression and reaction.
The contrary is true of the coal tar product
phenalgin, The action of this drug is sooth-
ing and its anodyne effect is usually fol-
lowed by refreshing sleep.
Convalescence from la grippe is FASTENED
by careful attention to nutriment and aided
by judicious tonics of the chalybeate va
rety.
An efficacious method of local treatment
for la grippe and at the same time often
most valuable preventive is to spray the
nose and throat several times daily with one
of the many antiseptic solutions in the mar
ket of which the principal ingredients are
boric acid, eucalyptol and other essential
oils.
It should be remembered that this disease
attacks with the greatest severity those
whose vital forces are made weaker by in
discretions and excessive nerve strain.
Therefore the rules of health should be
carefully observed especially those refer
able to sleep and proper diet.
In giving these hints for treatment. 1t is
not desired TO assume la grippe is disease
easily overcome without close personal at
tertion by the physician, but there are very
many cases which otherwise would become
severe and serious. that could be checked
by promptly following the course herein
outlined.