The health question box

Chronic Laryngitis Q. Is chronic catarrh of the larynx curable? A. In most cases this disease may be cured, even when of long standing, except in cases in which the inflammation is due to tubercular infection. Many of these cases are also curable if taken in time. A skilled specialist must be consulted.

lnflammed Tonsils and Rheumatism Q . Will inflammation of the tonsils lead to rheumatism? A. Murray in 1901 found in the mucous cov­ering the tonsil streptococci, which, when in­jected caused inflammation of the joints and the valves of the heart. Recent studies have shown that chronic in­flammation of the tonsils is very frequently the cause of rheumatism and one that should be looked for in persons suffering from acute rheumatic troubles.

The Tonsils Q. Of what use are the tonsils and should they be removed? A. The tonsils are lymphatic glands. Their function is to protect the body against the great number of microbes which collect in the mouth. They are also connected with the functions which promote the growth and development of the body. Diseased tonsils are a constant menace to the body, proving an open door for the entrance of harmful organisms. Tuberculosis germs and other disease-producing bacteria often find their way into the body through the open portal pro­vided by diseased tonsils. The tonsils harbor disease germs, such as pneumonia and diptheria, also the germ of influenza or la grippe. These germs are lying there ready to develop whenever the vital resistance is lowered by cold, exhaus­tion, indigestion, or any other depressing cause. Diseased tonsils are often a cause of rheumatism and probably other serious maladies. Tonsils which frequently become raw or in­ flamed or which are constant...

Clergyman's Sore Throat Q. What is the cause of the pharynx be­coming dry, accompanied by a weak and easily tired voice, followed by hoarseness? A. This condition is probably due to chronic pharyngitis. Acute and chronic catarrh of the pharynx are among the most common of all the forms of catarrhal disease. What is known as "clergyman's sore throat" is a variety of pharyn­geal catarrh . Undoubtedly bad dietetic habits are an important factor in the production of this condition. The use of mustard, pepper, peppersauce, ginger, vinegar, and various other condiments, and the excessive use of salt, sugar, fats, and ani­mal food must be set down among the predispos­ing causes . The disease is especially common in persons of s e dentary habits. An out-of-door life, "The simple life" in all respects is a pretty certain preventive of this disease and a good measure of treatment. 

Loss of Voice Q. Please indicate the cause of the loss of the voice. A. The loss of the voice may be due to an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx or to an infection of the nerves control­ ling the laryngeal muscles. A loss of voice is sometimes due to hysteria. In such cases the voice may be suddenly recovered at any time. Loss of voice is sometimes the result of in­fection of the larynx with tuberculosis. Either one or both of the vocal cords may be af­ fected. Syphilis i s another common cause of lo s s of the voice. Cancer and tumors of various sorts may de­ velop in the larynx so as to cause loss of power to make vocal sounds. In cases in which it has become necessary to remove the lar y nx by a sur g ical operation, it has been found po ss ible to re s tore the power of vocal s peech by means of the insertion of a tube contaning an organ reed. The voice produced in this way is of course a monoton e.

Cold in the Head Q. What will relieve cough and cold in the head of an infant? A. Apply a cold w et hand rub daily. Keep the child out of doors constantly. Expose the s kin to the sun and air for a half hour, two or three time s a day . A pply to the nose the follow­ing soluti o n w ith a n atomiz e r: M e nthol----------------------20 grs. Camphor---------------------10 grs . Thymol----------------------- 2 g rs . Alboline---------------------- 4 ozs. Every cold in the head or acute nasal catarrh s hould be treated promptly and thoroughly. When ne g lected, a cold is likely to become chronic, a c ondition of nasal catarrh. Nasal polypi obstructions, deafness and painful affections of the cav­ ities in the facial bones are natural consequences of neglected colds.