PHARYNGITIS. 85 
cases an extension of inflammation in the mouth, nasal passages, or larynx, be- 
hind which the pharynx is located. Occurring alone, as an individual affection, 
it iscommonly caused by some foreign body, as a sharp splinter of bone. A 
part of an inflammation elsewhere, the usual causes are those which give rise to 
the associated coryza, stomatitis, laryngitis, etc. The symptoms excited by any- 
thing unusual in the throat have been described in the discussion of obstruc- 
tions of the cesophagus. If a substance is lodged there, and especially if the same 
is sharp and cutting, the lining membrane is soon congested ; and then, although 
the most urgent of the symptoms disappear on its removal, some usually linger 
for a short time ; and those remaining may be quite severe enough to justify the 
fear that the offending body has not been dislodged. But having really been so, 
the inflammation produced by it will likely have all subsided in the course of 
two or three days. ; 
In pharyngitis without obstruction, and the attack severe, there is generally 
frequent hawking, drooling at the corners of the mouth, possibly a peculiar 
throat cough, enlargement of the glands of the neck, and difficulty in swallowing. 
The last mentioned, however, and a careful avoidance of large pieces of food, 
especially the hard, are sometimes the only notable signs. Further evidence of 
the throat trouble can then, usually, be developed by firmly pressing the neck 
immediately under the jaw; when if there is much inflammation within, the 
patient shrinks as though in pain, and for a moment coughs hoarsely. 
On examination of the throat, its lining appears brighter red than normal, and 
coated here and there with small yellowish-white clots. Excepting in mild cases, 
the throat seems narrowed because of the swelling, which, as a rule, affects the 
tonsils, and causes them to stand out quite prominently. 
In diphtheria the false membrane generally forms in some part of the phar- 
ynx ; and when in sight there is but little danger of mistaking its identity. 
Between the throat and adjacent parts and the stomach there exists such 
a decided sympathy that in case the former becomes inflamed the latter is simi- 
larly affected or much disordered. 
Excepting there be an obstruction in the throat, when of course the same 
ought to be removed as soon as possible, only rarely will treatment be demanded 
in pharyngitis, so speedy is its natural tendency to recovery ; but now and then 
the inflammation is so severe, hot applications to the front of the throat are neces- 
sary. After a faithful use of them for ten or fifteen minutes, it will be well to 
rub onto the neck either camphor or soap liniments, and swathe it with flannel 
or cotton wadding. If the inflammation within is very severe and the throat 
much swollen, all affected parts inside should be carefully painted, every two or 
three hours, with a mixture of chloral hydrate five grains, and glycerin one ounce. 
No internal treatment will likely be required. 
In all cases it is advisable to restrict the diet to warm liquids, as milk and 
broths, containing well-soaked bread. 
