Cold on the Chest, or Bronchitis
By G. H. HEALD, M. D.
This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the air-tubes in the lungs. It often follows cold in the head, or may begin as a cold on the chest or in the throat. It is usually attributed to some exposure, the phrase “catching cold” undoubtedly perpetuating the error. It is probable that no amount of exposure of itself will cause an attack of bronchitis; but when other conditions are present,—a non-resistant or susceptible organism, the presence of infectious germs in the air-passages, etc.,—the exposure may be the “last straw” that does the work, and consequently it gets the blame. Perhaps nearly every one knows that sometimes a severe exposure is not followed by cold, when at another time some trifling indiscretion brings on a severe attack. As is the case with cold in the head, so here, there is a vast difference in individual susceptibility. Some persons never suffer from “cold,” no matter what they do, and others are hardly ever free from colds. In the latter case there is often a chronic condition present. In fact, the damage from the first cold is never fully repaired, and there is a weakness left which is ever afterward manifested by increased susceptibility to cold on the slightest exposure. Among the causes of cold may be mentioned, as above, individual susceptibility, changes in weather, faulty housing, ventilation, dressing, poor general health; and after all these, which may be classed as favoring causes, we must mention the germ, which through these causes is enabled to set up the inflammation. In the prevention of colds, the most important procedure is care of the general health. Excesses or indiscretions in the matter of diet, an impoverished diet, insufficient sleep and exercise, sex indulgence, errors in clothing, insanitary surroundings, and the like,—all weaken the organism, and make it less able to withstand germ enemies. To prevent colds we should avoid everything which tends to depress the physical powers, should by exercise, cool bathing, and careful dietary attempt to build up the general health, and above all, should avoid exposure to those who have a cough; for while it is true that nearly every one has in his own air-passages germs which under favorable circumstances may cause a cold, the germs fresh from a patient with a cold are more virulent, and may give a foothold where a less-virulent germ would not. Remember always the two factors in a cold: the body itself, and the germ.