46 ASTHMA, OR THICK WIND. 



CHAP. XI. 



ASTHMA, OR THICK WIND. 



The sudden vicissitude of temperature from 

 heat to cold, frequently gives rise to obstinate in- 

 flammations of the lungs, windpipe, or its branches, 

 which, if not timely remedied or removed, may 

 terminate in an effusion of coagulable lymph that 

 impedes free respiration, causing either roaring, 

 thick wind, or broken wind. 



Thick wind is occasioned by an effusion of this 

 lymph within the air cells of the lungs, which 

 lymph becoming organized, the air cells of that 

 part are obstructed, and finally destroyed ; the 

 texture also of the lungs is here altered, and 

 more dense ; all which impairs their elasticity, 

 and diminishes their capacity for air : the lungs, 

 in this state, not receiving their usual quantity of 

 atmospheric air, the oxygen of which is destined 

 to take away the superfluous quantity of carbon 

 contained in the venous blood. Hence, the carbon 

 that required only one expiration to remove it, 

 is not now sufficient; therefore, the respiratory 

 muscles are incited to quicker motion, which is 

 the distinguishing mark of this affection. 



