The catarrhal forms of consumption are more difficult to treat, and, in numberless instances, baffle all medical skill, and that is very trifling, which can be applied directly to the seat of trouble.  Repeated “colds in the head,” taken and neglected, become by-and-by confirmed, and pass from the rank of common colds to that of chronic catarrh.  Indeed, catarrh is no more or less than a chronic cold in the head; but after the lapse of time, and this may vary in different persons, from one to a score or more of years, it assumes a more virulent character, involving, perhaps, the whole of the breathing apparatus.  Its encroachments are insidious, and often are lightly considered, but the general tendency of all cases of catarrhal affections is to the lungs.  Sometimes this approach is by a sudden leap, in consequence, probably, of a fresh stock of “cold,” from the mucous membranes of the nasal organs to the lungs, and we have in such cases known one of the most eminent physicians of the country to declare, when examinations were made at this juncture, that “catarrh had nothing to do with it.”  This but illustrates the fallibility of men, and we should never be surprised when confronted with any fresh testimony tending to confirm this truth.

The dry catarrh, while more aggravating, is less fatal, and life is more secure, and not as offensive either to friends or themselves, while other classes of this disease are offensive and more malignant.  It is very obstinate, and yields to no treatment of a specific kind that we know of.  The same general course should be pursued, however, as with dyspeptic consumptives.  The entire medical fraternity are at their absolute wits’ ends, so far as any specific is concerned, for this almost universal disease.  We say universal, since it is within our knowledge to be largely true, though, while in a mild form, little heed is given it, and generally the party would deny its presence, even while more than half conscious that it might exist.  In addition to a generous diet, fresh air, and other matters, of which we shall speak more in detail as we proceed, a nasal douche before retiring, of tepid water, with salt enough added to make a weak brine, as half a teaspoonful to a tumbler, will be in most instances of some benefit.  Inhalation and nasal baths must be the specific means of reaching and alleviating this disease.

Thousands annually die of consumption springing out of this malady.  Time, it would seem, must discover to the race some more efficient remedy than is now known.

Cold, humid, and variable climates give rise to and feed this disease, and a change to an equable, warm, or a cool and dry temperature, is essential.

Where heart disease is complicated with consumption, a warm, dry climate is best; and in some cases, too, as where bronchitis exists in great disproportion to the amount of tubercular deposit and inflammation of the lungs, the climate of Florida during the winter would be more bland and agreeable than that of Minnesota, but each individual varies so much in constitutional character, that no positive rule can be laid down by which any one case can be judged.  This comes within the province of the family physician.