DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF MERC. IOD. FLAV. AND MERC. IOD. RUBER, IN DIPHTHERIA

BY C. CARLETON SMITH, M.D., PHILA

Flavus. Ruber.
1. Both have tonsils, uvula and pharynx swollen. Slightly swollen in flavus. 1. Tonsils greatly swollen and very painful, with prominent enlargement of sub maxillary glands.
2. Disposition to hawk, which is caused by excessive secretion of mucus, very difficult to dislodge. 2. Same disposition to hawk, but here is caused by a sensation as of a lump in throat: occasionally this so-called lump is hawked up, when it is found to consist of hardened green mucus.
3. Posteria wall of pharynx is found studded all over with spots looking like small ulcerated points. 3. These not found under the bin-iod.
4. Severe burning in right side of neck as if coal of fire was laying on it, at the same time stiffness of neck. ( Phytolac. red-hot ball in fauces). 4. Burning is in throat and feels as if recently scalded, and with this we have outside glandular swellings, sore to touch. But no stiffness of neck. Patches of inflammation in larynx which become livid purple.
5. Throat and nose dry as if closed up with mucus. 5. Throat and nose dry, but without the feeling of being closed up or obstructed.
6. Disposition to swallow frequently, from a feeling of swelling in throat. 6. Constant disposition to swallow on account of a large collection of water in mouth.
7. Has profuse secretion of mucus in throat, the effort to dislodge which causes retching. (Patients vomit, not from nausea, but from trying to raise this mucus.)
8. Both drugs have enlarged glands. 8. Throat looks much less red and angry.
9. One of the most important indications for use of Merc. Iod. Fl. is the condition of the tongue. The back portion only of tongue is coated a bright yellow, becoming somewhat darker if it remains long; through this coating can be seen the enlarged papillae, quite red, standing up; while anterior portion of tongue is clean. Mouth is dry, but not the tongue. 9. Great dryness of tongue with desire to wet the mouth, also feeling as if tongue and whole buccal cavity were badly scalded with some hot fluid.
10. Lips dry and burning, especially the lower. 10. Lips very slimy, so that they stick together.
11. Mental, a decided tendency to destroy on part of patient. 11. Patient low spirited and weeps very easily.
12. Taste, craves acid drink. 12. Wants food well salted, but still he drinks but little.
13. Bright red fine eruption on chest and abdomen. 13. Syphilitic ulcers over skin.

Mercurius, vivus, corr., jod., sulphate and cinnab., all have one symptom in common, viz., pain through right chest to back.


DOCUMENT DESCRIPTOR

Source: The Homoeopathic Physician Vol. 01 No. 03, 1881, pages 105-107
Description: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF MERC. IOD. FLAV. AND MERC. IOD. RUBER, IN DIPHTHERIA
Remedies: Mercurius iodatus flavus; Mercurius iodatus ruber
Author: Carleton Smith, C.
Year: 1881
Editing: errors only; interlinks; formatting
Attribution: Legatum Homeopathicum