The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-01-20
WHEN A COUGH is NOT A COUGH

Before we get into dispute about
the subject let's be sure you know as
much about the function or purpose OF
the diaphragm as I do-right now I
have every reason to doubt you know
enough about this to understand
what we're talking about.
Briefly, then, the diaphragm is an
important muscle, voluntary muscle
but chiefly under automatic (auton-
onic, sympathetic control, elastic,
dome shaped, placed like tarpaulin
between the abdomen and the thorax.
When the diaphragm contracts 1t
pushes or sQueezes down on the stom-
ach, liver and other organs and pushes
out or expands the belly. At the
same time it tends to enlarge the
capacity of the chest cavity and that
causes air to enter the lungs. So when
the diaphragm contracts we inspire or
take in air. Then the diaphragm re-
lakes, rests, and the air PUSHES out OF
the lungs or Is expired, wholly through
the elastic recoil of diaphragm. lungs,
chest wall, belly and not from any
muscular effort. When you sigh you
relax everything and enjoy a grand
rest for a moment-but uncOnSclouSly
Just before the sigh you exert your
self to draw in a deeper, longer breath
to sigh with.
Hiccough or hiccup Is q peculiar
modification of inspiration. It Is q
spasmodic contraction of the dia-
phragm accompanied with spasmodic
contraction of the larynx. It is no
more a cough than q gasp Is q yell.
Ten years ago DR.. Brian Sword Can
anesthetist, not surgeon), following
a suggestion made by Prof. Yandell
Henderson found that the administra-
ton of inhalationS OF carbon dtoxide
gas with air or with oxygen gave much
relief to patients suffering from the
abdominal distention that follows
many operations. Prof. Henderson
! had also shown that carbon dioxide
stimulates peristalsis-the rhythmic
wave motions by which the contents o.
the alimentary tract are propelled
Retarded peristalsis seems to arouse
or stimulate or irritate the phreni<
nerve which controls the action of the
diaphragm. PeristalsiS is tremendous
" retarded by the shock of any opera.
ton. Well and good. Then carbon
dioxide inhalations should fit in. Dr.
Sword found that they did. and thu
the inhalations became conventions
means of relief for not only post
operative distention but also post.
operative hiccup.
The administration of from 5 to II
per cent carbon dioxide and 80 to 8
per cent oxygen or air mixture b.
| inhalation has proved perhaps thu
most effective treatment we have TO
obstinate intractable hiccupS. Otter
it stops the spasms within half
dozen breaths.
AS a simple home treatment, wher'
the condition is not alarming O
where no physician Is available o
where no inhalator and gas tank is a
hand, the paper bag method will brini
relief in most cases. Hold All ordin
airy paper bag such as grocers us
as containers. over the mouth ant
nose and breathe and rebreathe int
the bag for several minutes. If tn
opening is held close about the fac
the bag will soon become filled will
a fairly concentrated carbon dioxid'
and air mixture and this will serv'
the purpose practically Of regula
gas tank and rubber bag ii,halato
apparatus.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
| CeYvical Distress
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