Diseases > Domestic medicine

272 bdchan’s
CHAP. XXIX.
OF COLDS AND COUGHS.
It has already been observed, that colds are the
effect of an obstructed perspiration ; the common
causes of which we have likewise endeavoured to
point out, and shall not here repeat them. Neither
shall we spend time in enumerating all the various
symptoms of colds, as they are pretty generally
known. It may not however be amiss to observe,
that almost every cold is a kind of fever, which
only differs in degree from some of those that have
already been treated of.
No age, sex, or constitution, is exempt from this
disease; neither is it in the power of any medicine
or regimen to prevent it. The inhabitants of every
climate are liable to catch cold, nor can even the
greatest circumspection defend them at all times
from its attacks. Indeed, if the human body could
be kept constantly in an Uniform degree of warmth,
such a thing as catching cold would be impossible .
but as that cannot be effected by any means, the
perspiration must be liable'to many changes. Such
changes, however, when small, do not affect the
health; but, when great, they must prove hurtful.
When oppression of the breast, a stuffing of the
nose, unusual wearinesss, pain of the head, &c.
give ground to believe that the perspiration is ob*
structed, or in other words, that the person has caught
cold, he ought immediately to lessen his diet, at least
the usual quantity of his solid food, and to abstain
from all strong liquors. Instead of flesh, fish, eggs,
milk, and other nourishing diet, he may eat light
bread-pudding, veal or chicken broth, panado, gruels,
and such like. His drink may be water-gruel.