When the windpipe is affected it is somewhat tender on pressure, there is
hoarseness, cough, and pain in swallowing. Treatment similar to that for
cold in the head may be adopted; in addition, the upper part of the front
of the throat should be kept well poulticed for a day or two, and then
wrapped up in cotton wool for some days longer. A piece of mustard leaf
covered with six layers of a handkerchief and secured by a bandage, can
usually be borne for a considerable time, and is often more efficacious
than the poultice; when the smarting is great the mustard leaf should be
removed and the tender part smeared with oil or vaseline.
Inhalations of steam are of use in promoting expectoration. Carbonate of
ammonia, three grains, or bicarbonate of potash, five grains, with half
to two grains of ipecacuanha, will help to promote secretion from the
affected part. A teaspoonful of Friar’s balsam in a pint of hot water
makes a good inhalation.
_Leeches._
Persons travelling in India, Ceylon, the Far East generally, and the
Philippine Islands, are likely to make the acquaintance of the Asiatic
leech, which is a very troublesome and indeed dangerous species of
vermin. It is very small, only about an inch long, and of the thickness
of a knitting-needle. It is able to penetrate through the interstices in
clothing, and when in vast numbers it is a foe difficult to combat. The
bites of these leeches are painless and much blood may be lost before
their presence is discovered. It is very difficult to obtain any kind of
boot or puttee which will keep these creatures at bay, and the traveller
in these countries should be provided with a solution of salt or weak
acid which, on application, causes the leeches to loose their hold.
It is a mistake to try and drag them off the skin, as parts of their
biting apparatus are apt to be left behind and set up inflammation and
suppuration. Tincture of iodine should be applied to the site of a leech
bite. In forest regions where these leeches abound protective measures
must be taken at night, the best being the use of a properly adjusted
mosquito net of very fine mesh.
The tropical water leech is found in the Azores, the Canary Islands,
Africa, Palestine, Syria, Armenia and Turkestan. It may reach a length of
four inches, and if swallowed with drinking water usually fastens on the
mucous membrane of the mouth or throat. As a preventive measure drinking
water should be passed through a piece of muslin or similar form of
sieve.
_Leishmaniasis._
This condition is named after Sir William Leishman, who discovered the
parasite producing it. There is a general and febrile form of the disease
and also a form attacking the skin and mucous membrane of the mouth and
nose, which is considered under Skin Diseases.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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