COLDS, SORE THROAT, CROUP, ETC
10%Page 905
COLDS, SORE THROAT, CROUP, ETC.
By O. C. Godsmark
As THE season for colds, coughs, and sore throats is drawing on, it is well to give some attention to the predisposing causes of these troubles which give so much anxiety at this time of the year; and especially will parents do well to look to the manner of dress and care of the children. Perhaps the most common cause of this form of disease will be found in the careless exposure of the feet and limbs to the cold and wet. When the lower portion of the limbs is protected by only one, or at best two, thicknesses of thin material, and the feet tightly laced in thin shoes, the blood becomes chilled in its attempt to circulate through these organs, and partial stagnation of the flow takes place. As the result, two very important conditions follow:— First, the blood, having become heavily charged with the poisons that have been poured into it during its sluggish flow through the chilled extremities, passes in such close proximity to the delicate organs lying in the lower portion of the abdomen that its poisonous condition is reflected, sympathetically, upon these organs, and frequently an almost irreparable injury is done, which manifests itself at the critical period when the child is entering the stage of manhood or womanhood, and frequently through all the after life. The second unfavorable condition resulting from the exposure of the feet and limbs, is that in which the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes are affected. The heart, not being able to force the blood through the contracted blood vessels of the extremities as it should, drives it in such large quantities to the lungs, bronchia, and other internal organs, that immediately a state of inflammation, frequently followed by congestion, ensues, and, unless the cause is removed or measures taken to relieve these organs from their engorged condition, serious results are equally liable to follow. Never permit the feet to remain cold. Habitual coldness of the feet is sure to affect some of the more vital organs. Frequent bathing of the feet in hot water, or alternating hot and cold, properly clothing the limbs and feet, with careful attention paid to the taking of proper exercise, rest, and care of the general health, will usually relieve any trouble in this direction. When a cold has settled on the lungs, or the children are coughing and croupy, hot fomentations to the throat and lungs, taken either in connection with, or immediately following, a good warm footbath, is a most excellent remedy. Get the blood to the extremities and relieve the chest and vital organs of their extra load as soon as possible. When the throat is affected, hot fomentations to that organ, in connection with the hot footbath, are proper, and frequently the holding of small pieces of ice as far back in the mouth as possible, in connection with the other treatment mentioned, will give immediate relief. A strong gargle made of salt and vinegar may be used when there is much phlegm collecting in the throat. An excellent gargle is also made by dissolving in clear water as much chlorate of potash as the water will take up. This may be used freely, only that care should be exercised to not swallow more than can be avoided, as the effect upon the stomach is not the best. Do not invite throat troubles by bundling up the neck at the very beginning of winter. Accustom that organ to the same exposure as the face, and much serious difficulty will be avoided. In cases, however, where persons have suffered severe troubles with the throat and bronchial organs, more care will be required, but in the majority of cases we invite troubles of this nature by bundling up the throat upon every slight exposure.