Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-21

any irritant (dust, germs), and especially by
constant picking or blowing OF the nose.
When it is considered that the nasal mu
cous membrane is an extension OF the skin
and, like the skin, is responsive to nervous
disturbances and chemical changes in the
blood, it is not difficult to understand the
frequent occurrence of nasal congestion OF
inflammation in such conditions as neu.
rasthenia, rheumatism, govt, intestinal
toxenia, constipation, torpid liver, infectious
fevers, ETC. Hay fever is an example of a
general systemic condition of vasomotor in
stability which renders its subject unduly
responsive to certain irritating principles
emanating from goldenrod, ragweed, hay,
roses, etc.
In some of these cases there is a local con-
dition which, combined with neurotic ten
dency, completes the chain OF causatlon.
Likewise equity or rheumatic subject with
a deviated nasal septum is an easy mark for
rhinitis, acute and chronic. The overfed in
dividuals who are slaves to their palates,
constantly ingesting more food than their
organs can digest, are frequent sufferers from
nasal congestion and STIFFNESS as can
easily be seen by observing such subjects.
A particularly rich and heavy feed, -es-
pecially if accompanied by alcoholic IN
diligence, is almost certain to be followed by
what the culprit is pleased to call cold. :
Any inflammation in the nasal cavity,
whatever may be its origin, is likely to ex-
tend to other parts of the respiratory tract.
This is especially true of grippe and pus
infection.
The possible involvement of the accessory
sinuses, or cavities in the bones of the head
that communicate with the nasal cavities, is
not so generally understood, or perhaps the
careless self treatment of colds would not be
so universal These cavities in the cheek
bone, the forehead, and in the outer and
posterior wall of the nasal cavity, are lined
with mucous membrane of low vitality, and
drain into the nasal cavities beneath the up
per and middle turbinated bones. If in
lection of these cavities takes place, as is not
uncommon, the maintenance of drainage
is extremely important; otherwise closed
abscess results, which may involve the brain.
When the turbinated bones are much
swollen, or a devlated septum presses the
turbinated bone against the wall of the nose,
drainage is prevented, and careful local
treatment, and occasionally removal of part
of the turbinated bone, or correction OF the
septal deviation, is required. Occasionally
a radical external operation on the various
sinuses, and scraping away of diseased
tissue, is necessary. Involvement of the
mastoid cells in the temporal bone, just be-
hind the ear, is also a complication of nasal
inflammation, the infection travelling through
the Eustachian tubes, which open close to
the posterior nasal outlet in the throat, and
thus reaching the middle ear A persistent
earache accompanying cold, especially if
there be swelling or acute tenderness over
the mastoid prominence behind the ear, or
in the ear canal, calls for immediate expert
attention.
A CAREFUL examination by physician
at least once year, to determine
whether there are any local or systemic con-
ditions that invite attack, is wise and eff
fcient measure Of prevention. At least treat
your body as well as railroad treats loco
motive. Have it regularly inspected.
A pampered, sensitive skin renders one
peculiarly susceptible to colds This con-
dition may result from overheated dwell
THE GtJERDON AND THE QUEST