The bronchitis kettle, typified by a long spout, was used in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to moisten the air for a sufferer of
bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) in the lungs that causes coughing. Bronchitis usually begins as an infection in the nose, ears, throat, or sinuses. The infection then makes its way down to the bronchi. ...
, and was considered to make it easier to breathe for the patient. Sometimes
menthol
Menthol is an organic compound, specifically a Monoterpene, monoterpenoid, that occurs naturally in the oils of several plants in the Mentha, mint family, such as Mentha arvensis, corn mint and peppermint. It is a white or clear waxy crystallin ...
was added to the water to relieve congestion. The water was boiled on the fireplace in the room, or above a
spirit lamp
An alcohol burner or spirit lamp is a piece of laboratory equipment used to produce an open flame. It can be made from brass, glass, stainless steel or aluminium.
Uses
Alcohol burners are preferred for some uses over Bunsen burners for safety pu ...
, or, in the twentieth century, by electricity. Sometimes the kettle was boiled within a tent placed around the patient.
References
External links
British Medical Journal article from 1881
Medical equipment
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