SULPHUROUS INHALATIONS FOR PHTHISIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9064, 26 May 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

SULPHUROUS INHALATIONS FOR PHTHISIS.

A series of observations has recently been made on a method of treating pulmonary tuborculosis, which, if not curative, would appear to possess a beneficial power over the progress of this dread malady. The method consists in tho systematic inhalation of an atmosphere impregnated with the fumes of sulphurous anhydride (SO a ) ; and several ingenious plans of obtaining a con stant supply of tho gas havo been devised, the best of which is a lamp constructed to burn bisulphide of carbon. The simple plan of burning flowers of sulphur in a closed room can, however, be resorted to if desired. Under its influence, it is said, the expectoration becomes more liquid, the mucous surfaces are relieved from tho irritation caused by tho prosenco of muco-puru-lcnt secrotions, and the pntiont is spared the fatigue of violent paroxysms of cough. In a certain number of favourable cases the improvement in the general health which follows is reported to bo sufficient to allow of the cicatrisation of cavities and the subsidence of tho more disquieting symptoms. Tho irritating effects of the vapour may be mitigated to some extent by burning opium and gum benzoin at the sarno time, borne two hundred observations have already been recorded, and tho results have beon sufficiently good good to warrant a more general trial. Caution is advisable in tho quantity of tho gas, which should not exceed a certain proportion, which must be ascertained by close supervision of tho patient during its administration.—British Medical Gazette.