An inaugural dissertation on pulmonary consumption.

  • Delafield, Edward, 1794-1875.
Date:
1816
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An inaugural dissertation on pulmonary consumption. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    b'2 has been found by experience to be very useful in abating hemorrhage from either cause; but it siiould not be depended on alone, nor suffered to take the place of the treatment just detailed- If possible, we should anticipate the occurrence of haemoptysis with our remedies, and thus prevent the formation of a habit of spitting blood, which when once established, is difficult to destroy. The usual precursors of this symptom are, a saltish taste in the mouth, a sense of irritation at the upper part of the trachea, and some oppression and difficulty of breathing. At this time, before the haemorrhage has commenced, blood-letting and the rest of the remedies mentioned above should be actively exhibited. Venienti occurritc morbo. A distressing cough at this period also requires the at- tention of the physician. From its occurrence more par- ticularly atnig'it, it disturbs the rest and adds much to tiic sufferings of the patient. It should be alleviated by Opiates, accompanied with any of the mild demulcent rem- edies, generally denominated Pectorals. Mudge's Appa- ratus for inhaling the steam of warm water, may also be used with relief, especially on going to bed. When all inflammation is gone and the second stage of Consumption has decidedly formed, a different mode of treatment becomes necessary. Little indeed is now to be hoped for from any treatment, as a radical cure ; but our patieut is not to be abandoned; if he cannot be cured, his sufferings may be materially mitigated, and he may be di- rected to avoid such things as may increase his malady.