New England Medical Monthly Volume 24 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 Excerpt: ... medicine in toothache cannot consider the trial of this simple and harmless method in whooping-cough as frivolous, though absolute results are not to be expected. Recently Kilmer of New York has reported a series of cases treated by elastic abdominal belts with gratifying results. In controlling the excessive vomiting, as well as decreasing the number and violence of paroxysms, this method is certainly worthy of study and trial. He has shown that the simple wearing of the elastic abdominal belts has cut short certain cases of whooping-cough. The belt simply puts the stomach and abdomen in a splint; it supports the abdominal walls and prevents the relaxation and discomfort so common to all diseases which produce distressing cough. In my own experience, I have employed the abdominal belt twice, and in one of these cases it was used, not because I hoped to benefit the course and severity of the disease, but because the subject was rachitic, with the characteristic pot-belly, and the belt was applied in the hope that by compression and support I could alleviate somewhat the distressing discomfort incident to the cough in such a condition. To my surprise and satisfaction, vomiting ceased almost immediately and the paroxysms were reduced in number and severity to such an extent that I was forced to conclude that the child was convalescent. I kept this belt on for several weeks after the child had apparently ceased all coughing, and the results, I must admit, were something more than mere coincidence. The second case on which I applied the belt was even more satisfactory, because of the fact, I suppose, that I applied the belt as soon as I was well convinced of my diagnosis. This same means has been used of late to control the vomiting of pregnancy and also of ph...