MEDICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12070, 13 September 1902, Page 6 (Supplement)

MEDICAL NOTES.

j DIPHTHERITIC PNEUMONIA. The diphtheria bacillus docs not always remain confined to the diseased mucous membrane but sometimes invades the blood and internal organs—the lungs, spleen, and lymphatic glands. Of these organs the lungs are most frequently affected ; according to recent investigations, Kant-hack and Stephens, in twenty-six fatal cases the bacilli were found with ease in all and in large numbers. In fifteen of these cases broncho-pneumonia was present. What is the relation of the broncho-pneumonia to the bacilli? In almost all cases of bronchopneumonia occurring in diphtheria other organisms, such as streptococci and staphylococci, are found in, the lesions. It has, therefore, been supposed that the bronchopneumonia is due to these organisms and not to the bacilli. Dr. S. Flexner and Dr. H. B. Anderson have published experiments hi the John Hopkins Hospital Bulletin, April, 1898, however, which strongly support the view that the broncho-pneumonia is a truly diphtheritic lesion. They injected pure cultures of diphtheria bacilli into the tracheas of rabbits, which caused a definite and often widespread pneumonic process ; but in certain cases, notwithstanding the entrance into the lungs of numerous bacilli, pneumonia failed to be produced. The pneumonia was lobular or pseudo-lobar in character and for the most part cellular, fibrin playing a relatively small part.— Lancet.

RED NOSE. It is generally supposed that the most frequent cause of a red nose is over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages, and " ram blossom" is one of the most common and cruel names applied to it. Through this misconception much injustice is done to many a worthy man and woman, who must suffer not only from personal disfigurement, but also from injury to his or her reputation. The disease is known as rosacea, a congestive affection of the skin. It attacks chiefly the nose, but sometimes also the adjacent portions of the face, the forehead and cheeks.

The redness increases little by little, and at first comes and goes irregularly. At this stage it appeal's after exposure to cold, after a hearty meal, or after drinking a little more than usual.

After a, while the redness and congestion persist, being intensified by the causes just mentioned, but not disappearing in the intervals. Soon the veins of the nose, or other parts affected, become visible as line, wavy lines running through the skin, and later the skin becomes thickened.

It is greasy, and little pits, which are the mouths of the oil-gland ducts, are seen dotted over the surface. The surface is roughened and uneven, the nose increases in size and becomes shapeless, and pimples of varying size appear more or less thickly on it.

All these changes do not occur iu every case, and the process may stop at any one of them. Sometimes a. burning is felt, especially during the periods of greatest congestion, but as a rule, no abnormal sensation is complained of. The trouble begins usually, after the aye of thirty or thirty-five years, but sometimes earlier, and affects women more oil en than men. The common causes are some disturbance of the functions of the stomach, bowels, or liver, due to eating poor or too highly-seasoned food, the abuse of alcoholic beverages, lack of exercise, and so forth. Habitual exposure to cold winds or to the rays of the sun may also produce it. Treatment consists in removal of the cause, if possible. Great attention should be paid to the mode of living ; the diet should be regulated, highly seasoned and indigestible food, alcohol, "and strong tea being forbidden; constipation, so "often present, must be overcome, and all (he functions of the body should be inquired into and corrected if not properly performed. Exercise in the open air is 'necessary, but the face must be protected from cold winds and from the sun.

_ In mild cases oxide of zinc ointment, lime-water, or a. bismuth lotion is often of great benefit. In severe cases stronger remedies, or even the use of elect rich v or the knife, may be called for.