_Of Diseases of the Neck_
The diseases in that part, are indeed very numerous; but as they have so
strict a connexion amongst themselves, the classes may be considered but
very few; of which some have been already taken notice of.
_Of the malignant Sore Throat._
Every body who is liable to catch cold, is frequently apt to have a
hoarseness and consequently in some degree, more or less, a sore throat.
If a fever attends it, methods should be used accordingly, as is
mentioned under the head of colds: with respect to the throat, use the
gargle, No. XVIII. pretty frequently, and the disorder will soon go off
again.
But when an ulcerated sore throat is attended with a malignant fever and
inflammation, it is called a quincey; this case is alarming, and
requires very careful treatment; for first we must observe, that the
larynx is of a very complicate and curious structure; and secondly, it
is composed of various, and delicate materials; namely, cartilages,
membranes, muscles, and glands.
The glands are very numerous in the various parts of the composition,
whence the inflammation becomes not only painful, but is apt to swell up
and obstruct respiration; wherefore an inflammation in such parts
becomes highly dangerous to the life of the patient.
When the patient perceives a burning pain in the throat, and the parts
all round swell up, respiration becoming difficult, add to this a
hoarseness, great difficulty in swallowing, there is no time to lose,
for immediate assistance is wanting.
Bleeding is indispensably necessary, particularly if the inflammation is
sudden; warm foot-bathing also is highly requisite; to remove the
humours downwards; a gargle should also immediately be applied like the
foregoing No. XVIII. with the addition of a little _camphor spirits_.
Externally apply the poultice, No. II. and give the following draught.