Health and Beauty

1908

Chronic Nasal Catarrh

CAUSES — Repeated acute attacks, poor ventilation, low-ered vitality, poor circulation, irritating gases or dust, lack of sunshine and fresh air, poor food.
There are two forms of acute nasal catarrh:

1. Hypertrophic Rhinitis---In this type the mucous membrane is thickened, with marked obstruction, making nose breathing difficult. The secretions are thick and abundant, sneezing is common, dryness of the throat, mouth breathing, snoring at night, frontal headache, and impairment of hear-ing. In children habitual mouth breathing produces dis-turbances of functions, delays development, begets a peculiar, dull facial expression, and mental stupor, with marked deformity of the chest. The turbinated bones of the nasal cavity enlarge at times to such an extent as completely to obstruct one side. This condition may cause nosebleed, neu-ralgic pains, and a dull, aching pain between the eyes. This form of nasal catarrh may extend over a period of years, and as a rule little can be done for it in less than one year’s time. A specialist in this line should be sought.

TREATMENT — Catarrh is an indication of lowered vitality and an inactive skin. Any procedure that will increase the vital resistance and improve the general health will ame-liorate any catarrhal condition. Attempt should be made to raise the general tone of the body. No catarrh can be cured without this. The body should be equably and properly clothed, and the diet should be nourishing and simple. The bowels should be carefully regulated, and the skin invigorated by the daily cold bath and friction.

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