WHOOPING COUGH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1315, 24 October 1914, Page 4

WHOOPING COUGH.

Whooping cough takes its name from the peculiar whoop in the cough due to spasm of the glottis. It generally commences as a common cold, the cough coming during the course of the next few clays or weeks. The coughing is frequently followed by vomiting, and there is a danger of the disease ending in a collapse of the Ipngs, The coughing is always more severe during the night, and if the times of coughing are counted, the lessening pf thp uvjqiher is a favourable sign. It is most important that the room occupied by

the pftieul is kept at an even temperature, as any cold air will bring on paroxysms of coughing, which the vapour of cresoline tends to relieve. A medical man Should always be called in during an attack of whooping cough, especially if the patient is very young. Even without any injury to the lungs, the violence ot the paroxysms of coughing may injure the muscles of the heart, and damage the growing tissues in other parts of the body. The general health should be kept up with a generous diet. Ipecacuanha wine is valuable, as it keeps in the expectoration of phlegm. A good remedy that can be easily made at home is the following : y 2 pint strongest West India rum ; xoz anise oil ; & pint honey ; 202 lemon juice. Place all in a bottle and snake well. Dose, one teaspoonful in a little sweetened water four times a day. Whooping cough is very infectious and the patient should be isolated. Unfortunately few mothers realise that this disease is really a very serious one and may end fatally, and neglect to call in a doctor until the damage has been done. No child should be allowed to go near anyone who is suffering from whooping cough.