In considering the subject of sprays, it is not my intention to present
to you a number of formulas that I have found useful in my practice, but
to consider the matter on a broader and more general basis. That sprays
have been, and are still used, in various conditions with the most
gratifying results, we all know. But that they should be prescribed to a
much larger extent than they now are is a fact that the physician, as a
rule, is not aware of.
We have learned to know that the skin is one of the great vital organs
of the human system. That if its action is impeded, the kidneys and
intestines are thereby given a greater amount of work to perform. That
with the morning sponge, followed by a brisk friction and an occasional
Russian or Turkish bath, in chronic cases, such as rheumatism, we can
expect quicker and better results from our remedies.
The public generally have been educated to that point where they
recognize the importance of proper care of the teeth. They not only
regularly cleanse them, but at stated intervals, usually every six
months, go to the dentist and have a thorough examination to anticipate
rather than wait for trouble.
Many persons have learned that a lavage of the stomach, in the shape of
a cup of hot water, before meals, has converted a sluggish digestion
into a normal one.
We are all familiar with the structure and object of the nasal cavities.
The tortuous turbinateds provide a large surface for the air to secure
heat and moisture, before reaching the lungs; and also remove from the
air such impurities as are of a solid nature. Now we all know that the
atmosphere of cities, especially where there are large manufacturing
interests, is loaded with impurities, such as soot, dust, particles of
pavement ground to impalpable powder, etc., etc. This fact can easily be
demonstrated when the city is on a plain or in the neighborhood of a
large body of water. When in the city the air seems pure, the sky
unobstructed, and no evidence of floating particles of matter, if an
observation is taken from a few miles’ distance, the city appears to be
encompassed by a cloud.
That the disposition of foreign matter on the sensitive lining membranes
of the nose should produce disturbances, there can be no doubt.
The only point I wish to bring out, and I hope it may stimulate some
discussion, is this: Should not the care of the nasal mucous membranes
be considered as important as the care of the skin and teeth?
In recent years I have asserted to my patients that the spray, in my
opinion, is as essential on the toilet table as the toothbrush. As to
the nature of the spray to be used, I think one must be guided by
conditions. If there has already been a catarrhal condition established,
then some remedial agent had better be employed; but if used simply as a
prophylactic, then a neutral cleansing solution would be preferable.
I think this subject is deserving of profound consideration, when we
know that there are establishments in most of our leading cities that
advertise the cure of catarrh for so much a month. Their methods are
simply to insist on the patient coming to their offices daily, and
having their noses thoroughly cleansed. And they are curing many cases.
Would it not be wise to educate our patients, not only to keep their own
noses clean, and thus cure themselves, but, by attending to themselves
early enough, avoid the development of that, perhaps, most prevalent of
all diseases, catarrh?