Diphtheria : its nature, history, causes, prevention, and treatment on hygienic principles; with a resumé of the various theories and practices of the medical profession / By R.T. Trall.

  • Trall, R. T. (Russell Thacher), 1812-1877.
Date:
1862
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Diphtheria : its nature, history, causes, prevention, and treatment on hygienic principles; with a resumé of the various theories and practices of the medical profession / By R.T. Trall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Gerstein Science Information Centre at the University of Toronto, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Gerstein Science Information Centre, University of Toronto.

    16/290 (page 12)
    is commonlj in proportion to tlie continuity and dens- ity of the exudation; but cases sometimes occur in which the membranous exudation is inconsiderable, and yet the general symptoms are of a very alarming kind. If the patches are small and remain distinct, the case ordinarily runs a favorable course ; if they rapidly spread and coalesce, if the membrane becomes thick, and especially if it assumes a brownish or blackish color, danger is imminent. In proportion as the membrane increases in thickness and density, does its attachment to the subjacent surface generally be- come firmer. The surface of the mucous membrane around the exudation is red and vascular, and so tender that in severe cases it bleeds on the slightest touch. Tlie throat is in general the primary seat of the disease; but the inflammation is apt to spread along continuous mucous surfaces, and thus to extend up- ward into the nares and to the conjunctiva; down the pharynx into the esophagus ; through the glottis into the larynx, trachea, and downward into the bronchial tubes ; or forward on to the buccal mucous mem- brane, the gums, and lips. Wounds and excoriations of the skin, and the mucous membrane of the nymphse and vagina when tender or irritated, especially in persons already suffering of diptheria of the throat, are during an epidemic liable to undergo the same process of exudation, which, coagulating, forms a false membrane analogous to that on the tonsils and throat. Albuminaria, commencing early in the disease, usually within a few hours, and gradually disappear- ing with the local affection, sometimes, but by no means invariably, accompanies diptheria. If the urine be much loaded with albumen, the complication is a serious one ; but cases have done well in which a con-