448 
RESPIRATION AND EXCRETION 
supply of oxygen, suffocation results. This is what happens 
in drowning or when the windpipe becomes closed. 
In many cases a person who is suffocating may be saved 
through artificial respiration. This is the name given to 
a series of movements which are used to restore natural 
breathing. The simplest method is to place the patient on 
his back, with the head 
lower than the hips. 
Then raise the arms up¬ 
ward and outward until 
they come together above 
the head. This move¬ 
ment enlarges the chest 
cavity and helps to draw 
air into the lungs. The 
air is forced out of the 
lungs by bringing the 
arms back to the side of 
the body and pressing 
gently against the sides 
of the chest. This series 
of movements should be 
repeated gently every few 
seconds, and may have 
to be continued for two 
or three hours before 
natural breathing is re¬ 
stored. 
Diseases of the Respiratory Tract. — The most common 
of these diseases is a cold located in the nose and throat. 
The nasal passages become clogged with mucus which con¬ 
tains many germs. These germs are widely distributed in 
sneezing. 
Diphtheria is a germ disease which is located in the 
throat and nose. For many years diphtheria was one of 
Room /a/D^vmme 
D/RE CT HE A T/A/G 
Figure 397 . — Steam Heating. 
By Earl Hallenbeck. 
