Outlines of medical treatment : intended as a companion to The student's guide to medical diagnosis / by Samuel Fenwick.

  • Fenwick, Samuel, 1821-1902.
Date:
1879
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of medical treatment : intended as a companion to The student's guide to medical diagnosis / by Samuel Fenwick. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

    114/416 (page 94)
    him along witli the vapour in a closet or small room. Some have recommended the application of a solu- tion of ammonia to the pharjmx, but this is a very doubtful proceeding, for many asthmatics are exces- sively sensitive to this substance. In all cases observe what remedy seems to have most effect on the spasm, so that it may be employed on a recurrence of the attack. D. Where the dyspnoea is not excessive let the pa- tient remain in bed in the sitting position, well propped up with pillows, so as to allow as free a motion of the chest as possible. In severe cases all the supple- mentary muscles of respiration are called into play, and you will find it most advantageous to let him sit in front of a low table, with the elbows supported by boots or cushions. Many have to spend whole nights in this posture, tmtil the severity of the attack has passed away. The patient usually refuses food, and it is not advisable to press upon him more than is necessary, because any undue distension of the abdom- inal organs prevents the descent of the diaphragm. A cup of hot and strong coffee is commonly useful, and in slight cases often affords immediate rehef. In other instances small quantities of gia or whisky are more efficacious. Treatment for the prevention of asthma (p. 39).— A. The first and most essential point is to ascertain if the residence of the patient is tmsuitable. Some are free from their attacks in the midst of a crowded city, others only in the open country; one patient will be best at a considerable elevation above the sea; another on low ground; most suffer at the seaside. When the asthma is associated with bronchitis the autumn and spring are the worst periods of the year. When it arises from the general health it is not un- usual to find the attacks occur in the middle of summer. In every case you must ascertain if there is any