Asthma is the spasmodic contraction of the breathing tubes, which prevents the free entrance and exit of air. The attacks come on more or less irregularly, and may be brought on by a number of causes, such as strong odors, dust, bad air, and by inflammation in other parts of the body. Asthma belongs to the arthritic diseases, and is caused by some defect in the elimination of waste, particularly effete tissue or excess of tissue-forming foods. Another common term for tendencies to diseases of this class, is uric acid diathesis, which is believed to be caused by imperfect excretion of uric acid. Whenever there is an excess of uric acid in the system of those who are predisposed to asthma, it contracts the blood vessels of the air passages. Just how the results are brought about is more or less a matter of conjecture, but it is probable that when the blood is laden as described, that anything which slightly affects the nerves of the bronchial system, will bring on an attack of asthma. Where the uric acid diathesis exists in a family, one may have asthma, some rheumatism or gout, some sick-headache, some other diseases of the same class, such as some form of epilepsy, eczema, dyspepsia, throat diseases, etc. Medical treatment of asthma is only palliative.

The only substantial benefit asthmatics can receive is through their diet, and place of living. This is not always an easy matter to regulate, as there is frequently a dilated stomach, and most asthmatics are obese. Leaving off tea, coffee, ale, wine, beer, meat and sugar, will greatly benefit and probably cure those who have good digestion. If the patient be thin and have poor circulation, it may be necessary to prescribe whisky, but no other liquor; especially none of a fermented character. The diet should mostly be restricted to wheat, oats, corn and rice, prepared as in diseases of the stomach. Thoroughly cooked cereals, eaten dry and well masticated, furnish the best diet. If more fat is needed, use cream and powdered nuts, but never without grinding as fine as flour. INI ilk: is also permissible, but where the stomach is dilated it will need to be modified in some of the ways heretofore explained. Fruits are usually prohibited, except for flavoring, although neutral fruits, such as subacid apples and grapes, may be eaten during good health.

Water, milk, sassafras tea and cereal coffee are the only drinks permissible to use.