{201} Briefly, those cases may be regarded as favorable in which the patient is young and has no inherited tendency to the disease, is free from the many complications of asthma, and in whom the attacks are light and occur at long intervals. On the other hand, all cases may be regarded as unfavorable in which the patient has reached or passed the middle period of life, has inherited a tendency to asthma, if the attacks are severe with short intervals, or if he has some one or more of the secondary affections of the disease. TREATMENT.--The treatment of bronchial asthma consists of measures to mitigate and relieve the paroxysms and prevent their recurrence. _A._ Of the Paroxysm.--A patient suffering with an attack of asthma will generally instinctively assume the position in which he can use the muscles of respiration to the greatest advantage, but if found in the recumbent posture he should be advised to sit up in bed and grasp the knees with his hands, so as to gain a position which admits of the more ready entrance of air into the lungs. In severe cases it is better to have him rise from the bed and support the head with the hands, the elbows resting on a table in front of him. An ingenious suspension-apparatus, intended to promote the comfort of persons suffering with severe dyspnoea, was extensively advertised several years ago, and may possibly still be furnished by the instrument-makers. It consists of a cross-piece suspended from the ceiling, to which straps are attached for supporting the shoulders without in any way pressing upon the chest; it is also provided with a band for the support of the head. In severe and protracted cases, when, notwithstanding the patient's exhaustion, he is unable to rest upon pillows, such an arrangement might afford great relief. If not undressed, the clothing should be so arranged as to interfere as little as possible with the respiratory movements. An abundant supply of fresh air is essential, and to secure this one or more windows should be thrown open. Asthma being the most capricious of diseases, remedies often acting differently in each individual case, it is well before commencing treatment to follow Salter's advice and inquire of the patient what remedy has usually afforded the most prompt relief in previous attacks, and thus avoid the risk of prolonging suffering by using remedies which, although apparently indicated, may in his case, owing to peculiar idiosyncrasies, prove to be useless or even injurious. We have seen that the disease is often due to some special cause, such as the inhalation of an atmosphere laden with the perfumes of certain flowers, with ipecac, dust, etc., the removal of which, if practicable, should of course precede all attempts at treatment. The condition of the stomach and bowels should be inquired into, and if found overloaded they should at once be relieved, the one by an emetic and the other by enema.