The health question box

Sore Throat Q. What is a good remedy for sore throat? A . Th ere are man y r e medies for sore throat, s o me of which ar e harmless, being simply worth­less,-like goose-oil applied externally,-while others are quite injurious. The best remedy is hot wat e r. It should be applied outside and in­ side; outside by means of f o mentations for fifteen minutes or half an hour twice a day; inside by a gargle of hot water , as hot as can be borne, every fift e en minut e s or half hour until relieved. Drink plenty of hot water, so as to get into a profuse perspiration. If there is fever, cool the skin with sponge-baths. Keep the feet warm. If the symptoms are s e vere, apply ice in a bag to the outside of the neck, and give the patient little pieces of ice to swallow. A few hours of the treatment will effect a cure in simple cases. The inhaling of steam is a most efficient means of relieving pain and combating inflammation in cases of acute inflammation of the throat.

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.

Colds Q. What should one do for a cold when first beginning? A. Take a hot bath at night; a sweating bath followed by a cold bath. Then go to bed and drink water. If it is very important to get over the cold as quickly as possible stay in bed and drink water; take no food whatever, but drink, drink, drink-a glas s ful of water every half hour and you will rinse the cold out. Keep the room warmed and well ventilated. Another w ay to cure a cold is to take no bath at all or a short very cold bath, drink plenty of water, go out of doors and stay there until the cold is cured. If one lives out-of-doors entirely he will get rid of the cold in the cold air, because the breathing of fresh cold air increases his body resistance. It goes without saying that the patien t must keep warm during the out­ door treatment, either by vigorous exercise or by being properly protected with wraps and blankets.

Coryza-cute Nasal Catarrh Q. What is the best treatment for one who on taking cold suffers for a day or two with excessive running of watery mucus from the nose ? A . Coryza, or cold in the head, is one of the most common of all affections. It is due to an infection of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Colds are catching, like diphtheria and small-p ox . The treatment co nsists of rest, dietetic re gu l a ti o n, and training o f th e skin. A v apor bath, sitz bath, short hot tub bath, fomen­tations to the forehead and face give relief. This treatment should be taken at night just before retiring. If taken in the daytime the patient should not go outdoors or expose himself to drafts for some hours afterward. The inhalation of steam with an electric vapor thermophore is the best means of combating the local pain and inflammation. The susceptipility to cold is best relieved by a course of treatment to harden the skin. The most efficient measure is the frequent use of ...

Dry Catarrh Q. Is dry catarrh curable? A. So-c all e d dry cata r rh i s a condition in which th e s e creting glands of the mucous mem­brane of the nose have degenerated and in part disappeared, the result of long continued in­flammation and infection. There are two kinds of these glands, those that secrete serum, and those that form mucus. The serous glands dis­ appear first. The result is that the thick mucus secretion accumulates and forms dry hard mas­ ses which decompose and cause erosions of the mucous membrane and finally ulcerations and after some years even serious destruction of the nose. This condition is accompanied by a very bad odor of the breath, and often bleeding at the nose. There is an uncomfortable dryness of the nasal passages and of the throat due to the enlarged space resulting from atrophy of the mucous membrane. The complete cure of this condition is of course not possible, but much can be done to re­ lieve its inconveniences. By daily cleansing and...

Best Climate for Catarrh Q. What is the best place in the United States for a person afflicted with catarrh? A. The best state is the place where you hap­pen to be. Any place is all right. The climate is all right. The trouble is with you. Catarrh i s an infection. It is true that climates that are very changeable are a little more difficult for a person with catarrh infection than one that is more equa b l e . B ut, at the s am e time, the more e quable climate is d e pre s s i ng w hen it is warm and produces a low state of vital resistance.

Catarrh is Contagious Q. Is catarrh contagious, and if so how? A. Yes; and the fingers are a common means of infecting the nose. It is surprising how often the fingers visit the nose and mouth. This is especially true of children and even adults who have missed proper training in this particular. The fingers are often moistened with saliva for various purposes. If the saliva were green or blue, the fingers would constantly show evidence of being soiled with this secretion . By this means one may infect things and persons with his saliva and may in turn infect his own mouth with germs from many sources. As Doc­ tor Chapin has pointed out: " The cook spreads his saliva on the muffins and rolls, the waitress infects the glasses and spoons, the moistened fin­gers of the peddl e r a rrange his fruit, the milk­ man's thumb is in his measure, the reader moist­ ens the pages of his book, the conductor, his transfer tickets, the lad y , the fingers of her glove. Every one is b...

Nasal Discharge Q. What are the yellow plugs blown from the nose, and what can one do to get rid of them? A. These masses consist of dried or partly dried mucous containing great numbers of white blood cells and countless numbers of pus-pro­ducing bacteria. The crusts which are formed in the nose should be loosened and thoroughly removed twice daily by the application of a solu­tion made by adding to a pint of water, one dram each of common salt, bicarbonate of soda and boracic acid. An atomizer giving a strong spray should be used, so that the nasa1 cavity may be thoroughly flooded, and the application should be continued until the passages are quite free. Then an antiseptic solution should be applied. A solution consisting often grains of eu­calyptol to one ounce of petroleum oil or albo­ lene is very useful for the purpose. If pos­ sible, consult a good nose specialist, as there may be some narrowing of the nasal passages which requires the attention of a specialist.

The Nasal Douche Q. Is the nasal douche a good remedy for nasal catarrh? A. The nasal douche is no longer recom­mended. It frequently does mischief by carry­ing the infectious discharges of the nose into the ears and other cavities, and so doing great harm. As a matter of fact, it is not necessary in any case. An atomizer giving a strong, coarse spray is useful in some cases in which there is a profuse nasal discharge, and especially in those cases in which dry scabs form in the nose. A solution consisting of one teaspoonful of com­mon salt and a teaspoonful of soda in a pint of distilled water is excellent as a nasal cleansing agent when used with an atomizer giving a strong, coarse spray . Use twice daily.

Causes of Deafness Q. What are the causes of deafness? A. In ninety-five per cent of all cases the cause of deafness is catarrh which begins in the throat and nose, and which has been neglected until it extended up into the ears. Enlarged ton­sils, snoring, sleeping with the mouth open, are indications of the presence of catarrh.

Mucus m Nose and Throat Q. What is the best way to prevent the formation of the mucus that accumulates in the back part of the nose and drops into the throat? A. Thorough treatment by a specialist will effect a cure. There is no simple remedy for this condition. One of the best home remedies is the inhalation of steam.

Nose Discharge Q. What causes a discharge from the nose?  A. Infection with pus-forming bacteria. When an offensive dis.charge is persistent, there is generally infection of some of the cavities or sinuses connected with the nasal cavity. A nose specialist should be consulted. Avoid advertis­ing quacks.

Buzzing or Ringing in the Ears Q. What causes buzzing in the ears and what will cure it? A. Buzzing or ringing in the ears is a very common symptom associated with nasal catarrh and most generally indicated that the disease is extending up the Eustachian tubes into the mid­dle ear. An ear specialist should be consulted. If neglected, deafness may result. Ringing in the ears is sometimes present in anemia and in cases of neurasthenia.

Adenoids Q. What are adenoids and should they be removed? A. Adenoids are growths which form in the upper part of the pharynx and at the back part of the nasal cavity. They are likely to produce serious injury by obstruction of the nostrils and may lead to deafness, to deformity of the jaws, an abnormal expression of the face, and may even produce mental and nervous disturbances of a serious character. Adenoids are usually considered an indication of mal-nutrition. They are doubtless the result of the attacks of bacteria upon the mucous mem­ brane and a state of low resistance. Adenoids should be removed as soon as dis­covered. They always do more or less harm and can do no possible good. The operation is a simple one; it is nothing more than scraping off the diseased mucous membrane with a suitable instrument. The operation should be done by a specialist in disorders of the nose or throat. The presence of adenoids is evidence of a de­pressed vital state (low resistan...

Talking through the Nose Q. How can the habit of "talking through the nose" be overcome? A. Of course, no one talks through the nose. The peculiar style of talking to which this term has been applied, is due to obstruction of the nostrils, so that it is really talking without the nose instead of through the nose. It is not merely a habit; it is generally due to disease. The rem­edy is to be found in removing the obstruction from the nose. The obstruction may consist of polypi or other growths, or a mere thickening of the mucous membrane. A good specialist should be consulted.

Catarrh in the Head Q. Is nasal catarrh curable? A. Nasal catarrh is usually curable, but the cure is by no means an easy or simple matter. There is no such thing as a successful "catarrh remedy." The numerous advertised nostrums are all mere "catch-penny" schemes, and some are positively harmful. In the majority of cases there are conditions in the nose which require the special attention of an expert. Bones become thickened, mucous surfaces are swollen, and drainage passages be­ come obstructed, retaining infectious material. The cavities of the facial bones connected with the nasal cavity become infected, thus maintain­ ing a condition of chronic infection. In every case of chroni c nasal catarrh a com­petent nose sp ec i alist should be consulted. The wonderful ad v ances made in the treatment of disorders of the nose within the last quarter of a century make it possible now to effect a cure in practically ever y case of chronic catarrh in whic...

Symptoms of Tuberculosis Q. What are the ordinary symptoms of tuberculosis which a patient may himself ob­serve ? A. Among the fi r st symptoms are loss of flesh, loss of strength, a feeling of lassitude, a slight fever in the afternoon or evening, often perspiration at night and slight cough; later, expectoration and perhaps a hemorrhage from the lungs. If the disease is sufficiently advanced ex­amination of the sputum by a bacteriologist shows the presence of tubercule germs. One should never wait until germs can be found in the sputum as this symptom indicates that the disease is so far advanced that ulceration or breaking down of the lungs has begun.

Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Q. How may tuberculosis be known at the outset? A. Since consumption is so difficult of cure in its advanced stages it is important to know if there is any means by which the disease may be discovered in its incipiency. The physical diagnosis has been so far perfected that it is now possible for well trained experts to discover the very beginnings of the tubercular disease even in the absence of cough, emaciation and other prominent symptoms which characterize the more advanced stages of this grave malady. Such experts are, however, comparatively few in num­ber, but the recent advances in the methods of x-ray examinations have made it possible for a good roentgenologist to discover the earliest beginnings of the disease and also to discover evi­dences of old diseased processes which have passed through their various stages and finally healed.

The Curability of Tuberculosis Q. Can tuberculosis be cured? A. Yes. Within the last fifty years wonder­ful progress has been made in the treatment of cases of tuberculosis. It is now known that even where the disease is fairly well ad­vanced a practical cure may be accomplished in the majority of cases. In sanatoria where the best methods are em­ ployed, the proportion of recoveries is reported to be about sixty per cent. It should be said in this connection, however, that only hopeful. cases are received. Advanced cases are not accepted for treatment. It is of the highest importance that in every existing case of tuberculosis measures should be taken for the protection of other members of the family who are not yet infected and to give the infected person every possible chance for re­covery. In the writer's opinion advanced cases of tuberculosis and all so-called cases of open tuberculosis, that is, cases in which the sputum contains tubercle germs, should be placed...

Bovine Tuberculosis Q . Is bovine tuberculosis dangerous for human beings? A. It was discovered some years ago that tuberculosis germs from which cows suffer differ slightl y from the human v ariet y. It was at first suppos e d that on this a c count human beings would not be lik e l y t o contr ac t disea s e from cat­ tle, but it i s n ow k n ow n t hat this is an error . He ss , a New Yo r k i n vestiga t o r , found among eighteen chil d ren fed on c o w' s milk five suffer­ing from tuberculosis. B ehring has demon­strated that amon g yo ung children in cities twenty-four out of twenty-five are infected from tuberculosis in some form. Other ob­ servers have found as high as twenty-five per cent of cases of tuberculosis in children due to bovine infection. It is estimated by Rosenberg that not less than 500 children die every year from bovine tuberculosis in New York City a1one. Investigations made in Washington, Rochester and New Haven have shown the presence of ...

Rules for Tuberculosis Patients Q. What rules should be followed by a per­son suffering from tuberculosis? A. The following rules were formulated by a health official, who has many consumptives under his care. The tuber c ulous p a tienf must c onsider his own welfare as well as the welfare of those about him. He should be in the fresh air as much as possible night and da y . He should be cheerful, look on the bright side of life . He should eat only nourishing food. He should avoid style, dress to suit the changes in the weather, always carry an overcoat and two or three handkerchiefs. He shou1d keep h i s nose, mouth and hands cle an and fr ee fr o m infection . He should take at least nine hours of sleep at night, and if possible a nap in the afternoon.  He should not mingle in large crowds of peo­ple or be where there is dust or smoke. He should not take tobacco or alcohol in any form. He should not cough needlessly, but only w...

Measures for Stimulating the Thyroid Gland Q. How can the thyroid gland be stim­ulated? A. By cold baths, massage of the thyroid gland, applications of electricity and local light baths of chief importance, however, in the adop­ tion of a diet which will tax the thyroid as little as possible . T h is r eq u ire s a strict anti-toxic diet and highl y la xa ti ve d i et. The bow e ls should be made to move fully three or four times a day.

Functions of the Thyroid Gland Q. What are the functions of the thyroid gland. A. The thyroid gland is a so-called antitoxic gland. This is, its duty is to supply a secretion which aids in the destruction of poisons, especially the poisons which are absorbed from the intestines. The thyroid gland also regulates the functions of the skin and has a very important relation to nutrition in general. Mental develop­ment and growth appear to be influenced in a very important way by it. When this gland is deficient in children, cretinism appears.

The Thyroid Gland as a Remedy Q. In what cases is the use of dried thyroid g land indicated? A. Persons whose thyroid glands are inac­tive-the condition of so-called hypothyroidism, are benefit e d b y the use of dried th y roid gland. (Sheep ' s thyro i d). There are numerous indi­cations of this condition, among which are dry­ness of the skin, pigmentation and atrophy of the skin, and falling of the hair with other s y mp­toms. It is important, however, to note that w hen t akin g d ri e d th yro id a thorou g hl y anti-toxic diet must be a d op t e d, that is, me a ts mu s t be entirely discarded, while milk should be taken only in the form of buttermilk, and in some cases even but­termilk must be avoided. Eggs must also be omitted fro m the dietary. Fresh v egetables and especiall y un coo k e d fruits and ve g etables should be freel y u sed . Tonic baths, a n o utdoor life and free water drinking are other measures important in such a case.

Regurgitation of Food Q. What causes the regurgitation of food? A. Regurgitation of food is in most cases probably due to permanent or temporary ob­struction of the outlet of the stomach. The pylorus may be permanently obstructed by can­cer or other growth, or it may be temporarily ob­structed by contraction. The last named con­dition is the most frequent cause of regurgita­tion. When the outlet of the stomach is obstructed by some organic change, such as ulcer, cancer or compression by bands due to inflammation, relief may be obtained by operation. Spasm of the pylorus is most frequently produced by hy­peracidity, which may generally be relieved by regulation of the diet. The foods should be soft, not in a liquid state; that is, in the form of pu­rees. The food should be swallowed after slight mastication only, and one or two tablespoonfuls of olive oil should be taken at each meal. Care should be taken to have the bowels move three or four times a day . The bile and panc...

Pain in the Stomach Q. What is the best method of securing relief from acute pain in the stomach? A. Apply hot fomentations over the seat of pain. A large drink of-hot water will frequently stop the pain at once. Cramp in the stomach may usually be relieved in the same way. Pain in the stomach may often be relieved by a general hot bath when other measures fail. The temper­ature of the water should be increased after the patient enters the bath, as hot as can be borne, say 110°or 112° F. In many cases it is well to drink a couple of glasses of hot water. The temperature of the water should be as hot as can be swallowed with­ out inconvenience.

Movements of the Stomach Q. What are the movements of the stom­ach? A. The cardiac portion of the stomach is not subject to regular movements during digestion. It remains quiescent, a fact which permits of the orderly stratification of the foodstuffs, the last portions eaten entering the center of the glob­ular mass which is formed in the cul-de-sac. Peptic digestion goes on at the surface of the mass, while the salivary digestion proceeds in the center and may continue for two or three hours from the beginning of the meal. As fast as the food is liquefied at the center of the alimentary mass it goes through the pylorus where it is mixed with the pyloric secretion containing pepsin, which begins its work in the stomach and continues in the intestine. The movements of the stomach are not confined to the pylorus. Infrequent rhythmical movements occur in the pre-pyloric portion, but the pyloric portion contracts regularly every ten seconds during digestion, making 2500 to 3000 ...

Diet in Hyperacidity Q. Please outline a diet that will remedy this condition. A. Both liquid foods and dry foods should be avoided. Everything should be taken in the form of a puree. The food should be chewed very little. Chewing stimulates the stomach and pro­duces an excessive amount of appetite juice which is highly acid. Wholesome fats, such as sterilized butter, cream and vegetable fats should be freely used. One or two teaspoonfuls of olive oil should be taken just before each meal. The administration of liberal quantities of pure gluten one or two hours after eating is an ex­cellent remedy. The gluten absorbs the acid as effectively as does soda, and has this advantage, that it does not in any way injure the stomach. The bowels should be made to act three or four times a day, but laxatives must be avoided, as these irritate the stomach and the small intestine.