CHAPTER III. 



DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA AND BRONCHIAL 



TUBES. 



Examination. — (a) By palpation, the upper part of the 

 trachea can be examined for enlargements, deformities of 

 the tracheal rings, constrictions and sensitiveness, to pressure. 

 Often when inflammatory conditions are present, slight 

 pressure on the trachea will induce coughing, attempts at 

 swallowing and considerable uneasiness and pain. 



(b) By auscultation, the condition of the mucous mem- 

 brane and the character of the secretions can be determined. 

 The tracheal and bronchial sounds are most distinct at the 

 entrance of the trachea to the thorax. A phonendoscope 

 held directly against the trachea at this point will greatly 

 assist in the examination. 



ACUTE TRACHEITIS AND BRONCHITIS. 



Definition.— These are acute inflammatory conditions 

 involving the mucous membrane of the trachea and the 

 bronchial tubes. 



Etiology.— (a) Small particles of foreign bodies (dust, etc.) 

 enter the trachea and bronchial tubes producing excoriations 

 and congestion of the mucous membrane which allow infec- 

 tion to take place. If these substances are putrescent a fetid 

 bronchitis will be produced. 



(b) Irritating gases (ammonia, etc.) and the fumes of 

 acids (carbolic, etc.) may excite an attack of bronchitis by 

 direct irritation to the mucous membrane. When inhaled 

 in concentrated form and in large quantities they will induce 

 inflammation extending into the smaller bronchioli producing 

 an acute capillary bronchitis. The excretion of toxic sub- 



