The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1928-02-02
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SEPTIC SORE THROAT
BY DR.. ARTHUR l. FORSTER
Copyright 1927. Bonnet Brown Corp.)

Epidemics of septic sore throat
have been recorded for several years.
Most of these have been definitely
traced to infected milk. There is no
doubt that all eases originate from
that source or are contracted direct
" from another active case.
The germ responsible for septic
sore throat is the strertococcus, and
its causal relationship to the diseases
is unquestioned. The same germ is al
ways found in the inflammed udders
of cows, in the raw milk, and in the
threats of patients suffering with the
disease.
Symptoms of Septic Sore Throat
In all epidemics the symptoms have
been identical. The threats usually are
intensely inflamed, but there is not
the grayish membrane of the diphth-
critic throat. The glands of the neck
are swollen, and in not few cases
they suppurate. The patient is pro-
foundly FRUSTRATED.
Common complications are inflam-
nation of the middle ear, abscess for
nation about the tonsils, and skin
eruptions, notable erysipelas. The most
serious complications, however, is sep
tic peritonitis, which arises from ex-
tension of the toxic process to the
serious membranes of the abdomen.
When the infection enters the blood
stream fatal septicemia (blood-poison-
ing) may follow. Prior to death locali-
cation of the toxin in various organs
lungs, heart, kidneys-and in vari-
Gus joints may develop.
Prevention of Septic Sore Throat
Prevention of cases during epidem-
les is possible in three ways: ~
More frequent examination of the
udders of the cows. (2) Inspection of
the threats of all persons who handle
raw milk. (9) Pasteurization of milk.
The last-named measure, of course
eliminates all danger by directly des-
troying the germs. There are still
some benighted individuals who rail
against pasteurization of milk, but
their number is diminishing and they
will soon be numbered among other
relics of bygone age.
Treatment of Septic Sore Throat
The treatment is the same as that
OF the usual case of tonsillitis. The
throat should be swabbed with nv.
drogen peroxide, diluted with fou1
parts of water, followed by a gargle
of mild alkaline solution, then paint.
ed with weak iodine solution. It is
a mistake to use pure tincture OF
Iodine because of increasing the swell.
Ing OF the throat. have seen cases Of
edema Qocal dropsy) that were ex
tremely serious.
To maintain the patients strenotl
liberal amount of nourishment
should be given. The bowels must be
kept open. Fever of 102 degrees OF
less is not dangerous, in fact is bene.
flcial. 1t is natures reaction to the
infection. However, if the temperature
goes above that point measures tc
keep it under control should be EN-.
ployed.
While it is not necessary to use the
stringent measures of prevention en-
ployed in diphtheria, it is we'll to iso-
late the patient and exclude all other
members of the family from contact
with him. 1t is said that for every
recognized case of diphtheria there is
one which passes unrecognized. Many
cases diagnosed as tonsillitis or septic
sore throat are in reality mild diph-
liberia.
The aim of the medical profession
to stamp out this and other infections
diseases can only be realized through
intelligent cooperation of the public.
In every case of "sore throat" a
physician should be consulted so that
the true nature of the infection may
be determined, and appropriate meas
ures instituted. If this were always
done the day would soon be here
when diphtheria will be only an OBJ
solete disease which, like sympathy,
is to be found only in the dictionary.