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.
No. XXXIV
Take fever powder (L), one scruple; calomel (N), two grains; liquid laudanum (T), twelve drops; water two spoonfuls; mix it into a draught.
This may be given every six hours, for two days successively; and this generally will break the disorder. The patient should be made to drink as freely as he possibly can; and perspiration should ever be promoted. A blister as the case requires, may also be used with much advantage. If the body is bound, clysters may tend to incline the humours to be drawn down from the part.
No. XXXV
Take Glauber’s salts (19), one ounce and a half; honey (E), one spoonful; hot water, a pint and a half.
Sometimes the inflammation is so very great, as to choak up both the passage of respiration, as well as that of deglutition; so that the poor afflicted patient can neither breathe, nor swallow; and is not only liable to be suffocated, but even starved to death, besides the danger from the malignant inflammation.