DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 43 



Chronic Laryngitis. 



Chronic inflammation of the larynx often occurs without having been 

 preceded by the acute form of the disease. It more commonly begins 

 either as an acute catarrh, which from exposure and neglect assumes a 

 chronic character, or in an insidious manner with insignificant symptoms 

 at first, it by degrees develops more marked disturbances and eventually 

 reaches a severity even in some cases affecting respiration. Hoarseness 

 and a dry husky cough, which manifest increased severity at times, are 

 among the characteristic symptoms. 



The expectoration may be slight or more or less abundant; usually it is 

 whitish gray, and frothy. The affection in many cases occurs in connection 

 with consumption, and much the same treatment is demanded as in that 

 disease. Cod liver oil should be given two or three times a day in table- 

 spoonful doses, and if no gain is observed the compound syrup of hypo- 

 phosphites in teaspoonful doses three times daily should be tried. The 

 iodide of potassium in cases where no pulmonary disease exists, is an 

 agent of value and may be given in the following mixture. — 

 R Totassii Iodidi 5 i j 



Ammon. Carbonatis 3 ij 

 Tinct. Hyoscyami § i 

 Aquae Camphoras 5 i v 



Ft. Mist. Sig. Dose one teaspoonful three times daily in a little water. 

 It must be remembered that no immediate effect from the iodide of po- 

 tassium is ever experienced in any disease, its efficacy depends upon its « 

 prolonged administration. In all inflammations of the mucous membrane 

 where the natural secretion is lessened, no agent has a more marked 

 effect than the chlorate of potassa. An ounce may be diluted in a pint of 

 water and a tablespoonful of the mixture be given every two hours, until 

 the cough loses its dry husky character and becomes moist. 



External counter-irritation to the neck by means ot blisters and mercu- 

 rial ointments, is of doubtful eflicacy. Painting with the tincture of iodine 

 daily instead, will have a happier effect. 



A perfect and permanent cure of chronic laryngitis is a rare occurrence. 

 The prognosis will of course be influenced by the associations or compli- 

 cations with other affections. 



Ulceration within the larynx may be anticipated if the disease is of long 

 continuance. As the vocal cords become affected by the process, the 

 cough is less audible, shorter, more frequent and provoked by each in- 

 halation. The disease at this point is utterly hopeless. The constitu- 

 tional symptoms are now aggravated, emaciation is rapid, exhaustion 

 and death speedily follow. 



