Part 30

HAY FEVER

Hay fever might be called autumnal catarrh. It is popularly supposed to be irritation of the nasal passages and the bronchial tubes, caused by the flying pollen from various flowers and plants.

HAY FEVER--THE SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of hay fever are usually a salty discharge from the eyes and the nostrils, followed by severe irritation of the mucous lining of the nasal cavity, a sense of fullness in the head, and violent sneezing.

HAY FEVER--THE REMEDY

It has not been the writer's opportunity to examine deeply into the actual causes of hay fever, but it has been his good fortune to cure many cases.

The remedy should be confined to--

Fresh air and sunshine Close observation of the rules of diet Total abstinence from all forms of stimulants and narcotics

I would suggest the following diet:

Berries Eggs Fish (Limited quantity) Green and fresh vegetables Sour milk (Buttermilk) (Where this kind of milk cannot be obtained, the ordinary sweet milk will suffice)

The diet must be governed, as already explained in many other cases, by the individual requirements of the patient in regard to the amount of exercise, the temperature of the atmosphere, and the age of the patient. In spring and summer is the ideal time to remove the causes of hay fever and effect its cure. (See Catarrh.)

In cases of Hay Fever:

OMIT EAT

Coffee {Bananas Confections {Berries Condiments Abundance {Fresh Liquors and wines of {vegetables Tea {Green salads Tobacco {Sweet fruits White flour products Limited {Eggs quantity {Fish {Sour milk (buttermilk)

The diet should be governed by amount of exercise, temperature, etc.

ASTHMA

THE CAUSE

The cause of asthma is congestion in, or constriction of, the bronchial tubes. This congestion is usually caused by overeating and the excessive use of narcotics and stimulants such as tobacco, liquors, and beer. The excessive use of sugar and starches, or what is generally known as carbohydrates, will set up a form of difficult breathing, or at least augment asthmatic tendencies. This condition is more likely to occur among those whose lungs are weakened and who have a tendency toward consumption.

ASTHMA--THE SYMPTOMS

There are but few conditions preceding asthma that can properly be called symptoms. The attacks are usually violent and frequently come on late at night. The patient suffers with a sense of asphyxia, which causes the impression of death from suffocation.

ASTHMA--THE REMEDY

The causes of asthma can be removed by diet, fresh air and exercise. If the patient can take a reasonable amount of exercise, sunshine and fresh air, the cure will be more rapid, but if this cannot be done, the diet can be limited so that there will be but little waste, therefore little congestion, and the necessity for exercise and fresh air will be reduced to the minimum.

In cases of asthma, the diet should be confined to--

Egg albumin Limited quantity of nuts (No more than two ounces per day) An abundance of-- Fresh and green vegetables Fruits Salads

If meat be taken at all, it should be confined to fish, young and tender game, or fowl, although these articles are not recommended.

If the patient be obese or above normal weight, the diet given for obesity should be rigidly observed. If of normal weight, the body should be fed somewhat below its physical requirements, even if a radical loss in weight should be experienced for the first three or four weeks.

If the patient is emaciated, then the diet should consist of six or eight eggs, and about one quart of milk daily, together with sweet fruits and fresh vegetables. Milk may be given in larger quantities, up to three quarts daily, if all other food except eggs be omitted.

In cases of Asthma: