ACUTE CORYZA. 33 
trated remedies be advised, since they are generally more easily borne on the 
stomach and less difficult to administer. 
To withhold medicine is quite as important in some cases as its free use in 
others. The indications in disease should be carefully studied, and active treat- 
ment instituted only when the need is manifested. The efficacy of other measures 
aside from the employment of drugs should be appreciated, and every known 
influence, dietetic, hygienic, or other, be called to assist in the cure of the sick. 
ACUTE CORYZA. 
Ir is popularly supposed that the term catarrh is applicable merely to a 
chronic irritation of the lining membrane of the nasal passages ; whereas rightly 
it means an affection of any mucous membrane, whether of the nostrils, bron- 
chial tubes, or elsewhere, in which acute inflammation is followed by a flow 
of mucus, or phlegm, as it is commonly called. But acute catarrhs of all impor- 
tant membranes are considered herein as distinct diseases, — for instance, bron- 
chitis, or bronchial catarrh, enteritis, or intestinal catarrh, etc., — consequently 
the term here might be restricted to an affection of the nasal passages, yet it 
is objectionable and likely to invite confusion ; hence it is advisable to substitute 
for it coryza, a term in use by physicians, and the meaning of which is well 
understood by laymen. 
Coryza, then, is an acute inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the 
nasal cavities, or, popularly speaking, simply “a cold in the head.” 
The changes which characterize it are identical with those which occur in 
man. That is, there is first dryness and swelling of the nasal mucous mem- 
brane, in consequence of which the nostrils are more or less obstructed. The 
lining of the tear-passages and the membrane covering the eyes also share in 
this inflammation. In the course of two or three days the affected membranes 
seem to recover themselves somewhat, and endeavor to effect a cure by washing 
away the trouble, as it were; for they pour out their natural secretion, mucus, in 
abundance. There is then no longer any dryness, nor nearly as much heat, 
while the swelling also begins to subside. This flow of mucus persists, but 
lessens steadily until the affected membrane is back to its former healthy 
‘condition. 
In the majority of cases coryza is due to “catching cold” by too sudden 
cooling of the body after being over-heated or lying in a draught. Very rarely 
it is caused by the pentastoma tznioides, a small parasite which has some resem- 
blance to the tapeworm. This locates itself in the upper nasal passages and 
«cavities of the forehead, but sometimes appears in the throat. 
Coryza is one of the most constant symptoms of distemper. It may also 
