Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/156

J3 2 J AST or less degree, during the day, ac- cording to the particular state of the atmosphere, and other circum- stances. The attack is sometimes induced bv external heat, at others bvcold: but in either case, their sitddeh accession will sufficiently distinguish the asthma from symp- tomatic .shortness of breath. There is a greater probability of curing it in youth, than at an advanced age. But, in the former case, it is often succeeded by a confirmed pulmo- nary consum prion ; and, after a long continuation, generally ter- minates, either in dropsy of the breast, or an aneurism of the heart or arterial system. A tremulous respiration, paralysms of the arms, and a diminution of the urinary se- cretion, are unfavourable symp- toms. This is one of the chronic dis- eases, which may continue for a considerable number of years. Sir John Floyer, when he published his celebrated treatise on this sub- ject, had suffered under repeated paroxyms for almost thirty years. The usual treatment is, to bleed, during a fit, unless extreme weak- ness or old age should forbid the use of the lancet ; to inject a purg- ing clyster, containing a solution of asafeefida; and, if the violence of the svmptoms do not speedily abat- ? , to applv a blistering plaster to the iteck or breast. Previously to a tit, emetics have been found useful, especially when the stomach was loaded with crudities. In the in- tervals, lac nmmoniacum, vinegar of squills, asafcetida pills, and other stimulating and deobstruent medi- cines, are. usefully employed. Sir John declares, that a strong info tion of roasted coffee is the best remedy he ever experienced, to abate the paroxysms. The coffee AST must be of the best Moco, newly burnt, and made verv strong, im- mediately after grinding. He or- ders an ounce to one dish, which is to be repeated after the short inter- val of a quarter or half an hour, and taken without milk or sugar. By the use of this remedy, he lived many years tolerably easy, under his asthmatic complaint. Dr. Pek- cival also asserts, that he has em- ployed it with great success. In a violent paroxysm of asthma, from the effects of which there is imminent danger of suffocation, the administration of an emetic is some- times advisable, as vomiting t. to produce immediate relief. This remedy, how ever, can only be re- sorted to with safety, under the following circumstances: 1. That' there he bo symptoms of inflam- mation discoverable ; 2. That the humid matter in the pectoral organs he loose, and ready for expectora- tion ; which may be ascertained by a free rattling of the throat; 3. Where respiration itself is not extremely impeded: and 4. When the patient's strength is not too much exhausted. On these conditions, an emetic may prove the only means of saving his lite: though it may also acce- lerate the fatal catastrophe, espe- cially if the breast be clogged with M matter, and the patient possess nof' vigour and breath, sufficient to sup- port the operation of an emetic. Hence a judicious practitioner will, in such cases, not Hesitate to direct a brisk dose, in order most speeddy to produce the de<ired effect, and to save the constitution from being unnecessarily exhausted. But tins illustration also evinces the import- ance of ever}- step in the practice of physic ; and that neither officious friends, nor mercenary pretenders, are the most proper persons, whose services