Respiratory organs
The chief characteristic is the ropy, stringy discharge from all the mucous membranes, especially the expectoration. It will hang down in long strings from the mouth to the floor. The remedy that comes nearest to it and is to be remembered, especially in bronchial consumption of the aged, is Hydrastis Canadensis.
In Kali bichromicum cases there are almost always the prominent nose symptoms (see catarrh) present in greater or less degree. Pains from back to sternum or sternum to back or sharp pain through apex of left lung ( Myrtus, Therid., Pix liq., Sulphur ) Cough is worse 2 to 3 A.M. and when undressing ( Hepar ). Hoarseness worse in the evening.
The expectoration of stringy mucus in the chief indication. It draws out in long strings hanging down to the floor. The cough is worse mornings and often nearly strangles him. Laryngitis.
Kali bichrom. should be remembered in these cases which, like Coccus cacti, has a large amount of stringy mucus expelled. It hangs down in a long string. Pertussis (Whooping Cough).
Kali bichromicum is suited to all cases of the common croup or diphtheria, if the membranous deposit is positive, and there is ropy mucus discharged from the mouth and sometimes nose. I have had the pleasure of curing several bad cases of diphtheritic croup with this remedy.
Kali bichromicum, also has many scabs or “clinkers”, and similar pains over the root of the nose, especially when the discharge becomes suppressed by cold or other causes. It also has a post nasal discharge, and it is apt to be tough and ropy like all the mucus discharges of this remedy. Then again Kali bich nostrils fill with dry hard crusts, that are often bloody when discharged. The septum ulcerates or round ulcers penetrate, or sometimes entirely destroy it. This state of things may occur with or without a syphilitic element in the case. In syphilitic cases of course there is offensive smell attending such deep seated disorganizations. Chronic nasal catarrh
Cough character – Dry, with tickling in the throat, or loose with great accumulation of mucus. Hoarse, croupy.
Cough aggravated by – worse evening or toward morning ( Hepar ), worse 2 to 3 a.m.; after eating or drinking; when undressing.
Cough ameliorated by – worse lying down or getting warm in bed.
Cough Concomitants – Pain from mid – sternum to back.
Expectorations glutinous, stringy. Croupy exudations in the larynx and bronchi. Membranous croup, bronchitis, phthisis pulmonalis, etc. It is equally efficacious in the chronic or acute forms. Pain through apex of left lung to shoulder.
The leading indication is the tenacious, stringy mucus which hangs down to the floor in a ropy string, and it is found in all the mucous membranes as well as the respiratory. In fact, it leads all remedies for this Hydrastis Canadensis and Lyssin approach it most nearly. Coccus cacti must also be remembered here, especially in whooping cough. For the formations of membranes Bromine, Iodine and Hepar sulph. stand alongside, but none of them have the peculiar stringy mucus is found under Kali bich., Iris versicolor is to be preferred if the characteristic burning of the membranes is present.
