Cold

{kold) [AS., ceald~\. I. The comparative want of heat. 2. A term used popularly for coryza and catarrhal conditions of the respiratory tract. Cold is employed largely in various forms as a therapeutic agent, mainly for the purpose of lowering temperature and allaying irritation and inflam ation. Itmay be used in the form of affusion, that is, the sudden application of a considerable volume of cold water to the body. Cold may be used as an anesthetic in baths (see Bath); in the form of compre es applied over the affected part; in the form of irrigation, especially in the treatment of bruised and injured members; as a lotion, for the purpose of relieving local heat, pain, and swelling; as an injection, in the form of ice-water, into the vagina or rectum, for various conditions; and as the cold pack, which is a valuable means of reducing the body-temperature in cases of hyperpyrexia. Cold may be applied in the dry form by means of the ice-cap or bladder, an india-rubber bag filled with ice, snow, or a freezing mixture. C, Absce . See Absce . C. Cream. See Rosa. C. Pack. See Pack. C. Sore, herpes labial is. 199