DISEASES OF THE THROAT, PHARYNX AND THE LARYNX.
As regards the anginæ, the acute inflammations of the larynx and pharynx, we might repeat what has been said about inflammations of the mouth. In particular, the pain, so violent in certain anginæ, calls for this method of treatment. The same is true of the dysphagia which accompanies them.
Charles Fauvel first recognized the virtues of Coca in the tingling of follicular angina and the laryngeal pains of tuberculous subjects. In those cases he specifies Mariani's extract of Coca leaves in preference to solutions of Cocaine, which sometimes give rise to symptoms of poisoning.
Dr. Rouquette[17] relates a case of tubercular laryngitis in which symptoms of poisoning showed themselves as early as the third day; the parts had been painted twice a day with a five-per-cent solution of Cocaine.
Dr. Paul Legendre has quite recently mentioned anew the danger that may result from a too free use of Cocaine[18]. The case was that of an interne of the hospitals attacked with diphtheria who, in order that he might the better bear the spraying with caustics, had his throat painted with a solution of Cocaine. Toward the seventh day he experienced very grave symptoms of poisoning, and the painting had to be suspended.
It is better, in cases of this sort, to prescribe extract of Coca, which answers the same purposes without the attendant danger of Cocaine.
One of the greatest triumphs of extract of Coca is assuredly its action in dysphagia and in the vomiting of consumptives, as also in the vomiting of pregnancy. The first two complications are of the gravest kind, for they condemn to starvation patients whose only chance of safety lies in the activity of the digestive organs (Ch. Fauvel and Coupard).