DIPHTHERIA

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2500, 19 July 1888, Page 3

DIPHTHERIA

TO THE EDITOIt. Sir, —Kindly permit me space to offer a few remarks 011 the subject of diphtheria, a disease which is at present playing such havoc among the children in this district. I have been asked so frequently, since the outbreak of the epidemic, regarding its nature and how to recognise and treat its early symptoms, that I may bo pardoned for thus trespassing on the columns of your widely-read newspaper. Diphtheria, meaning literally "a skin" is the growth of a fungus, usually in the throat, but tending to spread to the nostrils, the windpipe and other neighbouring structures. It commencement is variable. It generally begins to manifest itself by the temperature of the body rising, and by other signs of a general fever, or the patient may appear pale and complain of langour and general debility. At this time there may be no sensation of sore throat, but, 011 examination, the tonsils and other parts appear redder than usual, and in a degree swollen, and in a very short time the characteristic sign of the disease is visible. This consists in one or more small patches of a dirty-white or greyish membrane of "skin ' standing out welldefined oti the red and inflamed surface of one or both tonsils. These patches not only grow nipidly over a larger surface, ultimately coalescing into one mass and implicating the entire throat, but what is of infinitely more importance, they send their roots deeper into the tissues themselves, and thus obtain a firmer and more deadly grasp. Hence the urgeDt necessity of early and vigorous treatment. By this time there is usually swelling of the glands about the angles of the jaw, under the ear, but tliis symptom is by no means constant; indeed in the present epidemic it is curiously marked by its absence. This theu is the history, in a general way, of a typical case of diphtheria up to a certain point. I will only very shortly indicate two directions its further progress may follow : —l. The disease may abate, the throat charing rapidly, and the patient becoming very soon convalescent. 2. If it did not begin ill the wind-pipe— which it sometimes does, and then simulates croup—it may now extend to that structure, and in this form diphtheria is a most alarming-and rapidly fatal malady. There, are a few other ways ill which the disease may terminate, but 1 will proceed to the practical part of th« subject ; and attempt to point out the lines which ought to be followed when such a fell destroyer invades our hearths and homos'. 1. As the disease is extremely contagious, it is only a matter of duty that the schools should be closed for a time. 2. There being little or 110 pain at its outset, children should be carefully watched by their parents, their throats examined, and the lirst indications treated without loss of time. 3. 111 the event of a child becoming effected, he should at once be isolated and placed in a warm room with a tire, so that steam may be generated to fill the apartment. The other children should be kept within doors, not only for their own safety, but in case of carrying infection to others, 4. Water supply, drains, etc., etc., should be looked to, and the utmost cleanliness enforced. Disinfectants should also be used freely and constantly throughout the house. In my opinion, sulphur fumes is one of the best, as it is one of the oldest used disinfectants. A teaspoonful of common sulphur thrown upon a live cinder is an exceedingly simple and efficacious ireans of keeping the enemy in check, or frightenin" him away altogether. It has the further advantage of tending to keep the windpipe clear. 5, As I consider 110 good will accrue from any remarks 011 medicinal treatment, I will waive that subject altogether. Let me only throw out a hint a3 a warning, that all depressing remedies must be avoided. The popular tincture of aconite, given indiscriminately in all kinds of fever must be scrupulously withheld. G. Last but not least, teach the children when they are well, to open their mouths and accustom them to get their throats painted. One of the greatest difficulties in the management of this disease is to get a child to allow an attendaut to paint its throat with the requisite antiseptic. Trusting these few hints will be useful to the public and assist in some means to stay the further progress of the present epidemic, —I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, TllO.mas WVLU. PA IRMA.N, Surgeon, &c. Te Awamutu, 14th July, 183S,