498 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



Symptoms. — Slight shivering fits usually usher in the attack, which 

 more often than not pass unobserved. Then follow yawning and listless- 

 ness, hanging the head and general dulness, staring of the coat, which 

 feels harsh to the touch. The temperature of the extremities is variable, 

 while that of the central parts of the body is increased, the thermometer 

 introduced into the rectum indicating a rise more or less marked according 

 to the severity of the attack. In some individuals sneezing is a prominent 

 symptom, but it cannot be described as general. The nasal membrane is 

 dry and the colour somewhat heightened, this symptom being followed 

 by a watery discharge, in which the eyes also may participate. The 

 watery fluid changes in a few days to a thick mucus or muco-purulent 

 discharge. The appetite is usually impaired during the febrile stage, 

 while a painful cough is a frequent concomitant later on. 



Treatment. — With good nursing, pure air, and suitable food a com- 

 mon cold is not difficult to manage. Danger in these cases mostly results 

 from neglect in giving timely attention to the case, or in putting the 

 patient to work too soon. A fortnight should be allowed in which the 

 disease may run its course. There is no remedy that will cut it short, 

 but such agents as are selected will be given with a view to ameliorate 

 the symptoms and enable nature to throw it off as soon as possible. In 

 the early stage salycine in one or other of its combinations appears to 

 hasten the discharge and lower temperature, spirit of nitrous sether being 

 given with the same object. Acetate of ammonia has also been long in 

 favour. When the discharge has become thick, and provided there is 

 no cough, the sulphates of iron and copper are calculated to impart tone 

 and arrest a tendency to a chronic discharge. If cough accompanies the 

 disease, a smart liniment may be applied over the region of the throat, 

 and a mixture of paregoric and glycerine, with some of the sweet spirit 

 of nitre, may be found beneficial. Where a difficulty in swallowing points 

 to an inflamed condition of the pharynx a gargle of chlorate, or nitrate, 

 of potash is recommended, there being no objection to its being swallowed. 

 Where debility and languor continue after the acute symptoms have abated, 

 carbonate of ammonia with bitter vegetable tonics are prescribed. The 

 nostrils should be sponged with warm water to which a little permanganate 

 of potash has been added, and the edges anointed with vaseline to facilitate 

 the discharge of nasal mucus. The food should be moistened and easy 

 of mastication : linseed-tea, mashes, and carrots, with chaff and hay steamed, 

 and the drinking-water should have the chill taken off in winter. If grass 

 is available it may be given freely, nor need the attendant be alarmed 

 if it imparts some of its colour to the discharge escaping from the nostrils. 



