Kitap 1
11
IF from running, gymnastic exercises, or any other work, the breathing become difficult, it is called Asthma (ἆσθμα); and the disease Orthopnœa (ὀρθόπνοια) is also called Asthma, for in the paroxysms the patients also pant for breath. The disease is called Orthopnœa, because it is only when in an erect position (ὀρθίῳ σχήματι) that they breathe freely; for when reclined there is a sense of suffocation. From the confinement in the breathing, the name Orthopnœa is derived. For the patient sits erect on account of the breathing; and, if reclined, there is danger of being suffocated.
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The lungs suffer, and the parts which assist in respiration, namely the diaphragm and thorax, sympathise with them. But if the heart be affected, the patient could not stand out long, for in it is the origin of respiration and of life.
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The cause is a coldness and humidity of the spirit (pneuma); but the materiel is a thick and viscid humour. Women are more subject to the disease than men, because they are humid and cold. Children recover more readily than these, for nature in the increase is very powerful to heat. Men, if they do not readily suffer from the disease, die of it more speedily. There is a postponement of death to those in whom the lungs are warmed and heated in the exercise of their trade, from being wrapped in wool, such as the workers in gypsum, or braziers, or blacksmiths, or the heaters of baths.
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The symptoms of its approach are heaviness of the chest; sluggishness to one’s accustomed work, and to every other exertion; difficulty of breathing in running or on a steep road; they are hoarse and troubled with cough; flatulence and extraordinary evacuations in the hypochondriac region; restlessness; heat at night small and imperceptible; nose sharp and ready for respiration.
