Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-16
z A | Home Health | Club By DAVID B. RIEDER. Ph. D., '. D.
 La Porte, Ind
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There have been a number of let ters recently, asking for method of treatment for the cure of the night coughs.
 One of the most persistent and try ing of all symptoms with which suf- ferers have to contend takes the form of coughing instead of sleeping. When every other sign of illness has been removed, this coughing in the night will often remain and apparently baf- fle all remedy. There may be no diff culty in breathing. or much expec- toration, or, indeed, anything to ac- count for the restless cough; yet there it is, and its effects are at least dis dressing. if not wasting to the patient. The first question that should present itself to one in such a case as this might be: What causes the trouble after other illness has been overcome? Probably it may be found in some very simple matter which happens not to be known. For instance, the idea may exist that all coughing is necessarily produced by something wrong with the lungs Very likely it is assumed that 1t is because of something in the lungs requiring to be thrown off, and that there is no other reason for the cough.
 Perhaps there is no knowledge of whole system of nerves, the state of which causes severe coughing without expectoration, or anything of nature that can be thrown off in that way. Even though something is known re garding that system of nerves. there may be profound ignorance or forget fulness of certain conditions sometimes existing in the nerves of the stomach, which, by reflex action, make their presence known by violent coughing.
 For instance, there may be infiam- nation of the bronchial tubes; hot bran poultice is immediately applied to the back between the shoulders, and cold cloth placed on the chest; the result is immediate relief But there is no consideration taken of that state of the stomach and diaphragm which causes whooping cough when there is no inflammation anywhere. There is state of the sympathetic nerves which irritates the lungs. or rather the nerves that supply the breathing muscles, and causes severe coughing without any Inflammation.
 The treatment which suits what is called bronchitis will not help pa tient who has an irritated condition of that system of nerves. You are ex- ceedingly disappointed when you see the same treatment which readily brought relief in an inflammatory at- tack give none for this coughing, which is usually severe at night.
 But you must think more carefully of the case and try to understand its real nature. It will very likely be one in which the cold cloth should be ap- piled to the back and not to the front of the chest; it may be one in which 3 very simple remedy will relieve if not cure, and If you observe very closely you will be able to judge
 Make little match paper" by dip ping a piece of paper in strong solu- tion of saltpeter and dry it at the fire. When thoroughly dry take about four inches square of it and put it in a saucer. Set fire to a corner and let the patient sit where he can inhale the smoke, but not So near as to cause in- convenience in breathing. This, in some cases, will cure; in other cases 1t will only give relilef for a time; but in all cases in which it relieves you may be pretty sure you have irri- tation of the sympathetic nerves to deal with. and not bronchitis or any thing of an infammatory nature.
 This discovery will go far toward teaching you how to treat a night cough. When the patient is so very weak that it is impossible to utilize an outward application, it may be well to resort to the smoke of hitter, as above described. Nothing of narcotic na- ture should ever be recommended, even to give temporary relief. especially when there is sufficient strength re- maining so the outward application may be made and give new health, as we'll as ease for the time; but the smoke of saltpeter is harmless: it will soothe, too, when all opiates and mar cotics will fail.
 Here. however, it is desirable to ad- wise concerning cases where there is strength enough to bear some treat ment during the day. without waiting for the coming of the night cough. Be- gin in the morning, when the patient is warm in bed, and. first Of all, rub gently for ten minutes or so, with warm olive oil. the whole of the back. This can be done under the bed clothes and with the least imaginable fatigue 10 the patient
 Immediately after this. a small, cold. damp towel. folded narrow. should be placed along the entire center of the back and covered with a dry one. The patient will lie on these, or have them gently pressed to the back along the spine. This should be done for a quar. ter of an hour, or longer. if it is found to be soothing and comforting. You are. in fact. dealing with i'll formed asthma in such . case. but there may be no asthmatic symptoms. as these are generally understood.
 After this cooling process has been carried far enough. it will be we'll to give another quarter of an hours rub bing with the warm olive oil, so as to awaken to fresh vital action the nerves and muscles that have been soothed by the cold.