Chapter XIX describes therapeutic measures employed for childhood diseases. Nursing care is included for each disease. Chapter III covers diseases of the respiratory tract, including nose (rhinos), epiglottis, larynx, trachea, bronchi, air vesicles, pleura, and mucous membrane lining all air-passages. Symptoms include cough, expectoration, dyspnea, accelerated or diminished respirations; pain and fever indicate inflammation. Cough types are dry (hard), moist (loose), and laryngeal (croupy). Expectoration results from abnormal secretions of the respiratory tract's mucous glands. Dyspnea is difficult breathing due to air passage obstruction or lung function interference. Respiration rates vary by age, with normal ratios between respirations and pulse beats. RHINITIS: Acute rhinitis or coryza (common cold) causes nasal congestion, discharge, and discomfort; chronic rhinitis involves constant discharge and impaired sense of smell. <Callout type="important" title="Key Symptoms">Recognize cough types, expectoration characteristics, dyspnea signs, and respiratory rate changes to diagnose respiratory issues effectively.</Callout> Laryngitis symptoms include hoarseness, croupy cough, pain on swallowing; chronic laryngitis causes throat tickling, voice huskiness, thick mucus. Spasmodic croup (croup) is a spasm of the vocal cords causing severe paroxysms of coughing and breathing difficulty at night. <Callout type="risk" title="Severe Symptoms">In cases of spasmodic croup, symptoms like stridulous breathing, cyanosis, and labored respiration indicate immediate medical attention is necessary.</Callout> Treatment for rhinitis includes proper hygiene, cold sponging, and removal of adenoid growths; laryngitis benefits from steam inhalation with compound tincture of benzoin. Spasmodic croup requires hot throat applications or baths, emetics like ipecac wine or powdered alum, and in severe cases chloroform inhalation. <Callout type="gear" title="Essential Equipment">For treating respiratory issues, have on hand steam inhalers, nasal syringes, cold sponges, and remedies such as compound tincture of benzoin.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Recognize respiratory disease symptoms like cough, expectoration, and dyspnea.
- Understand the difference between dry, moist, and laryngeal coughs.
- Identify rhinitis (coryza) and its treatments including proper hygiene and cold sponging.
Practical Tips
- Use steam inhalation with compound tincture of benzoin for treating laryngitis.
- Apply hot water to the throat or use a mustard tub for spasmodic croup attacks.
Warnings & Risks
- Severe symptoms like stridulous breathing and cyanosis in spasmodic croup require immediate medical attention.
- Avoid using astringents locally during nosebleeds as they may cause sneezing, restarting the bleeding.
Modern Application
While this chapter's diagnostic methods are outdated, its emphasis on recognizing respiratory symptoms remains crucial. Modern readers can apply these principles to identify early signs of respiratory distress and seek timely medical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key symptoms of laryngitis?
Symptoms of laryngitis include hoarseness, a characteristic croupy cough, pain on swallowing, throat tickling, voice huskiness, and expectoration of thick mucus.
Q: How is acute rhinitis (coryza) treated?
Acute rhinitis or coryza can be managed with proper hygiene practices such as cold sponging in the morning, ensuring adequate fresh air and exercise, and removing adenoid growths if present.
Q: What is recommended for treating spasmodic croup?
Treatment options include applying hot water to the throat or using a mustard tub, administering emetics like ipecac wine or powdered alum, and in severe cases, inhalation of chloroform.