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Show CHAPTER I. OF OPERATIONS ON THE THROAT. SUFFOCATION FROM BODIES STICKING IN THE (ESOPHACUS OB. ENTERING THE TRACHEA. mgéow H mum IT is on no occasion a mechanical obstruction to the 3 trachea which we have to dread from bodies sticking either in the trachea or oesophagus. It is the spasmodic constriction by the muscles of the glottis. There is a provision in the muscles of the glottis, and in the laying down of the epiglottis, against any particle of the food in swallowing passing into the trachea. The same correspondence and sympathy which protects the trachea, is the cause of sufl‘ocation when either any small body has passed the glottis, or when a bone or a piece of meat sticks in and distends the pharynx. In neither of these cases is the tube of the trachea filled up or compressed, but while life remains, the presence of these bo- .., dies occasions a spasmodic contraction of the glottis and great dilficulty of breathing, or actual suffocation. Even when a piece of tough meat, or cartilage, or a large bone, distends the oesophagus, it does not compress the wind pipe, but affects the muscles of the glottis only. The most common accidents are these :-A piece of meat or cartilage 'G-r-m . in swallowing, sticks betwixt the cornua of the os hyoides or t" '5"- - .h.fi,,r. f thyroid cartilage: coins swallowed by children and stick in the pharynx : fish-bones which stick and irritate very much: a crumb of bread, which being popt into the mouth at play, i VOL. H. 57"" ‘w‘w B |
