Asthma is caused by a spasm of the muscular fibers of the small bronchial tubes, which obstruct the outward flow of air from the lungs; hence the great distress for want of breath, and the loud wheezing sounds. The disease is of nervous origin, and is sometimes hereditary. It is generally worse at night.

Treatment

There are many remedies which for a time relieve the bad symptoms, and a change of climate is almost always attended by relief. An attack may be brought on by any irritating smoke, or vapor or dust contained in the breathing air. The emanation from a feather pillow is sufficient in some persons to produce a paroxysm. The writer has found the following prescription of use in a greater number of cases than any other. It usually cuts short the attack within a few hours:

Iodide of potassium..................................................................

90 grains.

Carbonate of ammonia ..........................................................

60 grains.

Syrup of orange peel ...........................................................

1 ounce.

Simple syrup ..............................................................................

1 ounce.

Mix

Take a teaspoonful every two to four hours until relieved.