The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-07-05
sun STROKE-THE SYMPTOMS AND THE
REMEDY.
From the NeO York Evening Post.I


| The symptoms of sun-stroke generally indicate a
constitution previously impaired. Sometimes there
is active congestion and apOplectic etfusiOn within
the Uranium, and in such death generally en-
sues But more often the signs are those of physi-
CAL and, particularly, cerebral prOstratiOn; the
pulse is feeble, the cheeks, and in fact the whole
surface of the body pale and ghastly. The
blood is defective in quality, thus impeding the vi
tai processes The heart is evidently the organ at
FAULT, having suddenly succumbed under fatigue
and exhaustion, though the head gives the first in
timations of danger
Tins premonitory symptom of sun-stroke men
toned In the first instance is recorded in history,
which may be found in the Bible: "And when the
enid was grown, it fell day that he went out
10 ms father, to the reapers And he said to his
iather-'Ny head, my head' And he said to
iad, Carry him to his mother And when he
had taken him and brought him to his mother, he
sat on her knees till noon, and died" Kings, iv.,
Is, 20.
Manassas, also the husband of Judith. the hero
inc, (chap. viii, 2, 3,) died in a similar manner
"Manasses was her husband of her tribe and kin
dred, whs died in the barley-harvest. For as he
stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the
field, the heat upon his head and he fell unon
his bed and died in the city of Bethulia."
Convulsions sometimes occur, and in the intervals
there are tremblings of the muscles and limbs not
greatly unlike those of diiriUm helnens These are
very common in diseases of debility where the
nervous system is largely involved but generally
do not require specific attention. Even during the
progress of recovery, there is sometimes consdera
Die mental alteration.
The premOnitions of an attack are readily recos-
nlsed. There is feeling of pressure upon the
mead the blood tngles in the vessels the air seems
700 not and tenuous for breathing. A person who
was once thus affected tells that he was cured by
immediately bathing the head, arms, and should
ers IN water. While undergoing this process
he experienced sensation as if burning Goals were
spread over the whole scall but in less than an
nour every oppressive sympton had passed away
A brother of the same gentleman similarly at
lacked, was not so cautious. He fel to the ground
nsenslble while atlabOr in the harrest field and
after lingering two or three days. muCh of the time
comatose, and with what physician mistakenly
termed and treated typhoid fever, was suffered
to die.
The remedies ''aid down in the book" are alco-
hollc and ammoniacal stimulants; these being dif-
luslVe, and causing an equable circulation of blood
throughout the body, and particularly to the sur
face. The patient is advised to swallow the medi
cine, but if he is 'out of his head it can be givep
by enema. Washing the head with cold water and
rubbing llniments upon the surface with the hands,
Keeping up the friction long may be necessary
VIII generally answer the purpose. When much
dullness or stupor remains coffee and strong tea are
eficacious.
The means of prevention are simple. Persons in
sound health are seldom attacked; previous debili-
ty, general depression of the vital forces, unusual
and excessive physical exertion, violent gusts of
passion excessive drinking of cold water, or of al
cOholic beverages, superadded to exposure to the
summer sun or hot fire, create the danger.
Careful moderation in these particulars will gen
orally secure exemption. The Arab, wandering in
an arid desert, subsisting camels milk and few
vegetables, usually enjoys immunity; his blood is
not vitiated by stimulating food unwhOlesome
drinking. Sir Joseph Banks spent twenty minutes
in where beef cooking without harm.
Fishermen, for the sake of protection, sometimes
fill their hats with moist sea-weed; though any
large leaves, wet cloth upon the head will
answer as well. This is an intallible preventive,
and should be more generally observed by laboring