So] cou mutating matter, ov foulness, which might otherwise be attended with suffocation. A congh is, there- fore, an almost inseparable compa- nion of eveiy inflammation of the lungs, as well as every difficulty of breathing ; nay, it frequently takes place, when the purest air enters an excoriated, sore, or too sensible windpipe, and its tender branches. It rjiay also arise from too great an irritability of the ner- vous system, or even of some par- ticular part, such as the ear ; from worms and imparities in the first passages ; obstructions of the ab- dominal viscera ; acrimony clog- ging the glands, and originating frequently from a catarrhal and scrophulous disposition ; hysteric weakness; accumulation of sharp humors in the lungs, Sec. From this view of the causes which produce coughs, it will not be expected that we should expa- tiate on the treatment of the com- plaint, under every form and va- riety of circumstances : we shall therefore consider it under the fol- lowing heads : I. The convulsive cough of in- fants, in general, proceeds from a foul and disordered stomach, in consequence of too viscid and su- perfluous food, such as porri B , puddings, cakes, gingerbread, con- fectionary, &c. It is accompanied either with a voracious appetite, or a total want of it : difficulty of breathing, a tumefied hard belly : nausea, and often vomiting. The breath and excrements of such chil- dren are unusually fetid ; they sel- dom cough from the breast, but make elforts to vomit, and throw up a viscid phlegm ; in conse^ quence of which, they remain easy for a longer time than usual. Their j^ngue ia ulv/ays impure, and the COU cough increases in violence, after meals. For the cure of this troublesome complaint, there are no better re- medies than gentle emetics, and laxatives. A child under one year old, may occasionally take a targe tea - spoonful of this mixture ; namely, syrup of squills and rose- water, of each one ounce ; powder- ed rhubarb, four grains; and ipeca- cuanha, two grains. The dose maybe repeated every half hour, for three or four times, 1 11 it pro- duces vomiting ; and, in children two or three years of age, it may be somewhat increased, but never to exceed a dessert-spoonful. After the medicine has operated, a clys- ter, composed of milk and water, with a little oil and sugar, ought to be given, and repeated every other, or third day, while a sparing diet should be strictly observed. II. The convulsive cough of adults, likewise arises from the disordered organs of digestion, and is frequently the constant lot of tipplers in spirituous liquors, and habitual drunkards. At its com- mencement there is little or no ex- pectoration ; and an inclination to vomit generally precedes a fit of coughing. — The treatment of this malady <is similar to that of the same species in children; but, if the paroxysms should be so severe. as to threaten suffocation, we ad- vise, from experience, small doses of e:;ie'.;u d zinc, from half a grain to one grain at a time, to be taken in a spoonful of luke-warm water, and to be repeated, if necessary, every rive or ten minutes. III. The catarrhal cough, which is the most common, and very fre- .quent, especially in the winter
- .: See Catarrh. Its im-
mediate cause is a deiluxion of hu- mours
