Diseases of the Air Passage.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 76

Diseases of the Air Passage.

— Increased Sensitiveness of the Larynx. —

When the larynx is inflamed it is sensitive, as are all parts in like state, and can only be relieved by treatment of the inflammation which causes the condition. But sometimes the lavynx is abnormally sensi tive when there is no apparent cause for it, sxich as inflammation or the pretence of tumour. The perversion of sensation may be shown by a feeling of "rawness," or it may gi\e the feeling of constriction of the throat, or merely a sensation of pain or tickling. In certain ansemio people a feeling as of pin-pricking or of a fish bone in the threat is experienced, although there is no obvious reason for it beyond the highly sensitive state of the nervous mechanism. It must always be borne in mind that the larynx resembles the internal organs in this— that the localisation of pain is not exact; a condition of the naso-pharynx is often referred to as pain in the neck. It is not always «afe, however, to conclude that thesa feelings have no physical basis, since they may occur in cases of early tuberculosis (consumption) of the larynx, so that it would tw wise to have them investigated by the most skilful laryngologist available, in order that graver conditions l ay not be overlooked. The treatment, whea there is no gross disease of the larynx present( resolves itself into treatment of the general condition which produces them. — 'Nervous Laryngeal Cough. — This is a barking cough, short, hard, and harsh in character. It occurs generally in young people, and disappears during sleep. It U usually a single cough, as opposed to a succession of coughs, and has none of the usual accompaniments of cough, such as spit, hoarseness, shortness of breath, etc. Here, too, of course, minor forms of laryngeal disease must be excluded by careful examination. It has points of re<semblanco to mild chorea (St. "Vitus dance), and to persistent hiccotigh, and it occasionally arises from irritation of the brain in meningitis. Treatment must be directed to the improvement of the general health — careful dieting 1 , abundance of fresh air, regular exercise, bathing-, € tc. Some drugs are useful — such as iron and arsenic — but if treated without medical supervision it will bo wise to resort to cod liver oil and malnine, wh : ch are often quite sufficient, and arc- entirely safs. "Wo aio assuming, of course, tliat no local cau«e exists for the cough, since, if any is present, the onugh would not fall under this hea-d. 'iVeatment of tho larynx direct is seldom of use, but some persistent cases have yielded to a. few applications of an electric current. — Liverpool Mercury.