– RUDDOCK.E.H,
The affections designated by the above names being of a somewhat similar nature, and requiring similar treatment, are included in this Section.
PATHOLOGY. – In the incipient state, there is irritation of the lining membrane of the fauces and pharynx; afterwards as Inflammation progress, there is more or less redness, difficulty in swallowing, very likely some huskiness of voice. In severer cases the uvula is elongated, and the tonsils are enlarged, and white patches may appear on the tonsils, which are often called ulcers, but are really the opening of the tonsillar follicles filled with a white secretions (Follicular Tonsillitis). Actual ulceration of the tonsil seldom occurs, apart from Diphtheria (q.v.), is found mainly in cases of Syphilis, Tubercle, or malignant diseases. Vincent’s Angina is a rare disease due to a distinctive organism. Ulceration accompanies it, and may effect tonsil, uvula or palate.
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| Inflammation of tonsil and viral pharyngitis. |
SYMPTOMS. – The patient first complains of an uneasy sensation in the upper part of the throat, with a frequent disposition to swallow, as if something existed there which could thus be removed. If proper treatment be not adopted, the voice soon undergoes a change; it becomes feeble and hoarse, and sometimes, especially towards the evening, there is complete loss of voice. The patient complains of pain in the larynx, and makes frequent efforts to clear the throat of phlegm by coughing and spitting. On looking into the throat the parts are found to have an unhealthy appearance, being raw and granular, and the mucous follicles filled with a yellowish substance; a viscid muco- purulent secretion may also be seen adhering to the palate and adjacent parts.
CAUSES. – This condition is probably most often induced by the exercise of the organ of voice when in an inflamed state. The disease may also result from an immoderate or irregular exercise of the voice, or it may follow inflammatory diseases of the bronchial tubes or lungs, by much exercise of the voice before recovery has taken place. It is also occasioned by an unnatural style or tone of reading or speaking, as with preachers and military officers.
EPITOME OF TREATMENT. –
1. For the incipient and acute stages. – Acon., Bell., Merc. (Follicular Tonsillitis, Phyto., Lach., Crot.)
2. For the chronic form. Bell., Merc.-Iod., Calc. – Phos., K.- Bich., Arg., Nit., Carbo V., Lach.,Phyto.
3. Clergyman’s Sore Throat. – Phyto., Merc.-Iod., Arum., Arn. (after exercise of the voice); Bell. (Inflammation of the throat).
4. Occasional Remedies. – Apis. (much oedema); Ars. (emaciated constitution); Phos. (tubercular tendency); Sulph. (as an intercurrent; Arum. (Inflammation of tonsils.)
LEADING INDICATIONS. –
Belladonna. – Besides the symptoms mentioned in the previous Section, Bell. is well adapted to inflamed throat with bright redness, and much pain on swallowing.
Mercurius Iod. – Less pain than for Bell., and chronic cases in tubercular constitutions. See Merc. -Biniod.
Calc.-Phos. – In relaxed Sore throat this remedy is often used successfully, after others have been fruitlessly employed.
Kali Bich. – Accumulation of tough, stringy phlegm, requiring considerable effort to eject. Chronic Ulceration.
Argentum Nitricum. – Ulcerated throat of a low type, with foetid breath and foul mucus, and in cachectic patients. A weak solution of the drug may be used as a gargle.
Carbo Veg. – Similar conditions, with Hoarseness.
Lachesis. – Constant irritation in the throat, inducing much hawking, and a choking sensation; there is painful aching, but no deep-seated disorganization, the affection being more of a nervous character.
Hepar Sulph. – In Tubercular constitutions not requiring Merc. – Iod. Also when the disease is consequent on the abuse of Mercury. Ac.-Nit. is also useful in this condition.
Gargle. – To correct the foul breath sometimes existing, a gargle of Condy’s Fluid should be used. Ac.-Acet. dil cum melle is a useful gargle. Inhalation may often be effectively resorted
to.
The mineral waters of Ems are frequently used in Pharyngitis.
ACCESSORY AND PREVENTIVE MEANS. – 1St. Perfect Rest. The most important is to exercise a sore or an inflamed organ as little as possible. The treatment of an inflamed larynx, like that of an inflamed joint, should include a state of almost complete rest. As a preventive remedy in the case of clergymen, we would strongly urge the general adoption of Monday as a day of out-of- door recreation and cessation from all work, and thus compensate for the great mental and physical expenditure involved in the discharge of the duties of the earnest minister of the gospel on the Sunday.
2nd. The Throat Compress (see Section 28). – When this is applied, the patient should retire, and he will generally have the satisfaction of finding his throat-difficulty much relieved in the morning. In more obstinate cases, the compress should be worn in the daytime, re-wetting it as often as necessary. when discontinued, the throat and chest should be bathed with cold water, followed by drying and friction. However often repeated, the compress never relaxes the throat.
3rd. Cultivation of the Beard. – The beard and moustache should be permitted to grow, as they afford an excellent protection to the throat, especially in the case of barristers, clergymen, pubic singers, and others subjected to the undue or irregular exercise of the organ of voice.