Diphtherinum

Diphtherinum — general · H.C. Allen

Especially adapted to the strumous diathesis; scrofulous, psoric or tuberculous persons, prone to catarrhal affections of throat and respiratory mucous membranes. Patients with weak or exhausted vitality hence are extremely susceptible to the diphtheritic virus; when the attack from the onset tends to malignancy (Lac-c., Merc-cy.). Throat and Respiratory System Painless diphtheria; symptoms almost or entirely objective; patient too weak, apathetic or too prostrated to complain; sopor or stupor, but easily aroused when spoken to (Bapt., Sulph.). Dark red swelling of tonsils and palatine arches; parotid and cervical glands greatly swollen; breath and discharges from throat, nose and mouth very offensive; tongue swollen, very red, little coating. Diphtheritic membrane, thick, dark gray or brownish-black; temperature low or subnormal, pulse weak and rapid; extremities cold and marked debility; patient lies in a semistupid condition; eyes dull, besotted (Apis, Bapt.). Epistaxis or profound prostration from every onset of attack (Ail., Apis, Carb-ac.), collapse almost at the very beginning (Crot-h., Merc-cy.); pulse weak, rapid and vital reaction very low. Swallows without pain, but fluids are vomited or returned by the nose; breath horribly offensive. Laryngeal diphtheria, after Chlor., Kali-bi., or Lac-c.