WHOOPING COUGH

Chincough, or Kincough. A disease characterised by a convulsive cough, accompanied by a peculiar sonorous or whooping inspiration, and returning by paroxysms which are usually terminated by vomiting. It is infectious, and most commonly attacks children, seeming to depend upon a specific infectious or contagious matter, and affects the same individual once only. It usually comes on with slight febrile symptoms, hoarsene , and common cough, and in about a fortnight the spasmodic attacks ensue. The fit is terminated by expectoration of mucus, or vomiting of the contents of the stomach, after which the patient returns to his usual pursuits, and generally expre es a desire for food, except in very severe cases, where la itude and fainting ensue, and often bleeding from the nose and headache. The disease is of very variable duration, but generally goes off gradually after having lasted for some weeks. The dangerous cases are those in which the head is much affected, or which are accompanied by bronchitis. The treatment consists in obviating irritation, keeping bowels open, giving nauseating medicines, and perhaps an occasional emetic, and in full habits blisters and leeches may be resorted to. Sedatives or narcotics, carefully administered, are often of the utmost service, especially hemlock, henbane, or even opium, in conjunction with squills and ipecacuanha. Opiate and stimulating liniments applied to the chest and to the region of the spine are also frequently resorted to. A mixture of cochineal and carbonate of potash has by some been considered as almost a specific in the treatment of this disorder. The relics of the cough, which are often very tedious and obstinate, are best removed bv change of air. [s. 1439]