30 DISEASES OF THE LARYNX 



cold air or given a cold drink of water. Excitement also 

 induces cough. The larynx is sensitive to pressure which 

 may bring about a paroxysm of coughing. In some patients 

 hoarseness is evident. On auscultation over the larynx 

 stenotic, rough, sometimes whistling tones are heard which 

 tend to diminish in intensity toward the chest. Nasal 

 discharge is usually present. If the pharynx is also involved 

 (laryngopharyngitis) there will be dysphagia. The lymph 

 glands of the submaxillary region are swollen and sensitive. 

 Except in secondary laryngitis the pulse and temperature 

 remain about normal. Dyspnea is only present when there 

 is marked swelling of the mucosa. 



Diagnosis. — ^The diagnosis depends upon the presence of 

 cough, sensitiveness of the larynx, mild fever, and the 

 negative evidence adduced from a thorough examination 

 of the lungs. Secondary laryngitis may be distinguished 

 from primary forms by the high temperature, general depres- 

 sion of the patient and symptoms of the primary disease. 



Course. — In acute catarrhal laryngitis the course is usually 

 six to ten days, ending in complete recovery. Neglected cases 

 may become chronic and last for months, causing persistent, 

 obstinate cough but usually no further symptoms. 



Treatment. — ^The patient should be allowed fresh air (not 

 too cold) free from drafts, dust, and stable gases. If the 

 weather permits, exercise in the open should be allowed. 

 In mild attacks horses may be employed at light work 

 provided they are protected against high wind or drenching 

 rains. The food should be laxative (roots, grass) and free 

 from dust. 



Priessnitz apphcations to the throat are valuable. During 

 the early stages inhalations of steam (camphor, turpentine, 

 creolin) are of service. On the other hand in the later 

 stages when the mucosa is covered with tough mucus, such 

 solvent agents as common salt solution or bicarbonate of 

 sodium (1 to 3 per cent.) are effectual. If the exudate is 

 abundant and fluid, astringents (alum 1 to 25 per cent., 

 nitrate of silver 0.5 to 1 per cent.) are indicated. In horses 

 these remedies may be injected through a small catheter 

 inserted in the nose. Internally heroin in the form of 



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