University of Virginia Library

COLDS

So many persons suffer with recurrent colds in our changeable climate that we deem it well to pay some attention to the matter. A cold is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the upper respiratory passages. One region is generally more affected than the others. A cold begins with a congestion and its principal causes are: (1) "chilling the skin in a person whose skin is sensitive and tender to the changes of temperature, causing a contraction of the superficial blood-vessels, and driving an excess of blood to the deeper structures of the body; (2) local irritation to an already congested respiratory tract, by the inhalation of polluted air, and air containing irritating substances such as dust, smoke, gases, etc.''

Colds are most common in winter time, not on account of the cold weather but because at that time we breathe the most impure air, everything often being shut up in order to keep warm.

To prevent colds we must consequently breathe pure air and keep the function of the skin normal. This latter is best accomplished by proper daily

bathing, massage and exercise. For the younger person we think nothing better than a cool sponge off with brisk friction every morning in a room of a temperature never less than 70° F. For older persons and for those not so very robust we recommend the hot-cold spray bath. The person sits in a tub with warm water up to the hips; now spray the spine, neck and chest with cool water, starting with a temperature of 85° F., and gradually in the course of a week or two, lowering it down to 50° F. Half a minute is enough at first. A strong self-massage with a rough rubber sponge or wash cloth is advisable, but the patient should always rub himself perfectly dry with a rough towel. If weak this must of course be done by an attendant.

If the patient has the opportunity of scientific massage for half an hour each morning so much the better; if not we must teach him some few effective movements to be practiced every morning after his bath. The following are good:

• 1. Standing rotation of arms.
• 2. Ostrom's combined resp. movement.
• 3. St. bending of the body forward and backward.
• 4. Deep knee bend.
• 5. St. bending of the body sideways.

We do not wish the reader to lose sight of the fact that there are certain remedies which, if taken in the very incipiency of a cold, are really specific in their effect.