Let no one entertain any feeling of timidity on commencing the use of this instrument, as its operation is perfectly simple and harmless, and, with the fluids which we recommend, is never attended with any strangling, choking, pain, or other disagreeable sensations. The medicine should be applied with the Douche at least twice a day, in the morning and at night on retiring. There is no advantage in using the medicine oftener than three times a day, when used with the instrument, but a sufficient quantity should be used each time to medicate all the diseased parts. If any remains in the Douche it may be poured back into the stock solution for subsequent use, but a liquid that has once passed through the nasal cavity contains the germs of the disease and must not be used a second time.
NASAL POLYPUS.
The term Nasal Polypus is usually given to a variety of growths which are met with in the nasal passages far more frequently than any other tumors. They are thus designated because of their fancied resemblance to the aquatic polypus. They occur singly, or in clusters, as illustrated in Fig. 13. In the early stages the mucous membrane is swollen and irregularly dilated, presenting a rough and mottled appearance not unlike chronic catarrh with which they are usually associated. Gradually these mound-like tumors enlarge, usually becoming pendulant, and presenting a grayish opaque glistening surface, similar to the pulp of a grape. Occasionally they become massive at the point of attachment, and assimilate a warty or cauliflower growth. The latter variety is better supplied with blood vessels and presents a red or dark pink surface and may bleed on slight irritation. The favorite location is beneath or behind the middle or superior turbinated bodies, oftentimes nearly or quite concealed. However, no portion of the mucous membrane lining the upper air passages is exempt. Sometimes they grow from the roof of the nostril and pharnyx in pendulous masses, assuming the shape of the cavities, filling the entire nostril and upper portion of pharnyx. The mucous membrane covering the turbinated bodies may become dilated and swollen, finally developing by catarrhal processes into a polypus at that point. (See H, Fig. 13.)
Causes. Nothing definitely is known regarding their causation. They are generally supposed to originate in some constitutional derangement, impairing the nutrition of the mucous membranes. Other cases are closely associated with chronic nasal catarrh, and frequent attacks of cold in the head.
Symptoms. These may vary considerably in different cases due to the character and location of the polypus. In the early stages before the tumor is well developed, the symptoms may be those of nasal catarrh, and the diagnosis of polypus be possible only after a personal examination by a skillful specialist. Neither is the size of the polypus always in proportion to the severity of the symptoms. The nasal discharge is generally increased and of a variable character. As the tumors enlarge they cause a sense of fullness and weight between and below the eyes, with more or less headache and facial neuralgia. There is partial or complete obstruction of one or both nostrils. In some cases the obstruction changes from one nostril to the other when lying down; the stoppage generally being on the side toward the pillow. A polypus located at the junction of the nasal passages and throat by force of gravity always causes obstruction to the lower nasal cavity when lying down. Polypi often attain considerable size and by pressure upon and displacement of the surrounding structures occasion hideous facial deformity. Changes in the weather often aggravate the symptoms. By blowing the nostril the tumor sometimes may be forced forward, so that it may be seen a short distance from the anterior opening of the nostril. The voice is often affected, being muffled or harsh in tone, similar to that which accompanies a cold in the head. Respiration may be considerably embarrassed, due to the obstruction in the nasal passages, and the patient necessarily resorts to mouth breathing. In advanced cases the Larnyx is usually much congested, being constantly irritated, not only reflexly through the nervous system, but directly by the inspired air, and excoriating discharges dropping in the throat from behind the palate. Thus it is plain to understand how chronic Pharyngitis, Laryngitis, Bronchitis, and Asthma may result from a small polypus in the nasal cavity.
Treatment. In mild cases correcting the constitutional derangement may check the morbid process in the nostrils and cause absorption of the polypus growth. For this purpose Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is unequaled. The removal of the polypus may sometimes be accomplished by snuffing powdered blood-root. When these measures fail it is necessary to seek surgical assistance. After the removal of the polypus Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy should be used to prevent a recurrence.
OUR OPERATION FOR NASAL TUMORS.
Having operated with unvarying success upon a very large number and variety of nasal tumors at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute we are positively assured that the means and methods which we employ are neither severe or dangerous; no pain, consequently no shock; recovery rapid and permanent. Many forms of injection and local treatment are in use for the removal of nasal polypi, none of which have proven to be curative; recurrence of the tumor many times following such treatment. Many cases have presented themselves after having been treated by the heroic method of seizing the polypus with a pair of forceps and forcibly tearing it loose, bringing with it segments of healthy tissue, leaving bone exposed, and a ragged, uneven surface of diseased membrane. It is much easier to properly treat a case from the beginning than to undertake it in such a rendition.