5625. Croup

5625.      Croup. This is a dangerous disease. It is common to infancy, and rarely occurs to adults. It is an inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and contiguous tissues It derives its name from the peculiar sound of the voice and breathing, being of a whistling or crowing character, owing to a contraction of the glottis. It generally commences with a common cold and catarrh, hoarseness, cough, and increased difficulty of breathing, and the crowing already spoken of. It demands prompt treatment.

5626. Treatment of Croup

5626.   Treatment of Croup. The great object is to diminish the inflammation and irritation, and to relax the spasmodic state of the muscles in the parts diseased. The vessels in those parts are overcharged with blood, by an imperfect action of the exhalants. Place the feet in warm water, and give an emetic. (See No. 5169 (Eclectic Emetic Powder).) After bathing, rub the legs and feet well with flannel. Then give a vapor bath, if the patient can bear it. Repeat the process, if needful. The perspiration will be greater by applying to the feet and each side hot bricks, and wrapped in flannel saturated with vinegar and a little water. At the same time give an aperient, to produce a free action on the bowels. Apply this tincture to the throat, viz.: 1/2 teaspoonful of cayenne pepper, nearly a cupful of vinegar; simmer 10 minutes, and strain. This tincture may be diluted with warm water, according to the strength of the patient. Rub it well on the throat for 5 or 10 minutes ; and next saturate a flannel with it, and apply it to the throat. This application tends to relieve the internally congested blood-vessels. Repeat the application as necessary. Mustard plasters may be applied to the feet, the upper part of the chest, and between the shoulders alternately. Even a large sponge dipped in as hot water as the hand can bear, squeezed half dry, and renewed before it is cool, is of great advantage. It has been recommended to steep hops in hot vinegar, and the patient to inhale the vapor. Keep the atmosphere of the room at a regular temperature. Aid the perspiration by warm drinks, as balm tea, etc..

5627. Remedy for Croup

5627.    Remedy for Croup. Turpentine is a sovereign remedy for croup. Saturate a piece of flannel with it, and place the flannel on the throat and chest, and in very severe cases 3 to 5 drops on a lump of sugar may be taken inwardly. Every family should have a bottle of turpentine on hand.

5628. To Prevent a Return of Croup

5628.    To Prevent a Return of Croup. To prevent a return of this disorder, keep the child warm, avoid wet feet, cold, damp, easterly winds, etc.. Children whose constitutions dispose them to croup ought to have their diet properly regulated, and be kept from all crude, raw, and trashy fruits.

5629. Mumps

5629.    Mumps. This is a specific contagious inflammatory affection of the salivary glands, especially the largest, situated below the car. It begins with slight feverish symptoms, with pain and swelling, extending from beneath the ear along the neck to the chin. The attack generally reaches its height in 4 days and then declines. The treatment is very simple—a mild diet, gentle laxatives, occasional hot fomentations, and wearing a piece of flannel around the throat.