Sulphurous Acid in Exudative Disorders.

I have frequently called attention to the use of sulphurous acid in the treatment of exudative throat disorders of all kinds and especially in diphtheria. I have used this remedy for almost thirty years to clear up and remove exudations in the throat and mouth. I long ago ceased trying in the simple cases to determine what the character of the exudate was. I felt confident that this remedy would remove it, and destroy the toxins generated by its development.

It may be used by mixing a quantity of the dilute acid with equal parts of glycerine, and giving this in doses of from ten to thirty drops every hour in a little water. It can be mixed also with syrup, when it becomes very palatable and is not objected to by any child. I have combined it with mucilage of acacia and have added enough sulphur to give from two to five grains at a dose.

The preparation can be used also as a spray with fine results. In an epidemic of diphtheria in 1878 and 79, I depended upon this remedy almost alone to remove the external evidences of the disease, giving other remedies as indicated subsequently.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.