The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1869-08-25
Sun Stroke,

WHAT RI rs, now ToAvo1DIT, Asp HOW 10 cTRE II.
Editor South Hessefa-A few words Oh these topics
will be seasonable, and perhaps beneficial and accept
able to your readers.
What it is. The term sun stroke IS a mlsnomer lor
the disease is in general neither sudden stroke or
shock nor does IL necessarily depend upon exposure to
the direct rays of the 1t Is fever OF Its own
kind depending on high temperature rs its exciting
cause and marked by great increase IN the heat o.
the blood the name heatfever, therefore, proposed
for it by that eminent physician and authority, Dr. Geo.
B. Wood, of Philadelphia is a far preferable one.
There Is danger of this disease when the thermometer
indicates temperature OF 100 deg or Whereabouts,
and the attack may occur either in the night or IN the
day-more frequently in the latter however, because
the heat is greater At the onset there are usually
vertigo fantness thirst with great heat ard drFness
of the skin The pulse may be either strong or weak,
but the hearts action may be violent even when the
pulse is weak the face usually becomes pale and vom
ting and stupesaction ensue; there IS dfhculty OF
breathing which becomes at length gaspng, and death
may take place in from two Or three hours to as many
days Where recovery takes place, the last mentioned
symptom is not usually manifested. For this as Tor all
other diseases there two sets oil causes the exct
and predsposng. The exciting cause as have SAD
is hot weather. and the predposng causes are all those
habits of life that tend increase the heat OF the sys
tenn, or render the blood impure, violent exercise
close rooms, unnecessary clothing all stimulating
liquors. and a very rich, nutritious diet These last
may be conducive 10 health and comfort III cold weather.
vet very injurious in hot Liquors and fats abound IN
carbon and it is well known fact that there is always
a diminished consumption of carbon in the animal sys
tenn connected with an increased heat Of the weather
By retention of its carbon the blood becomes as it
were, poisoned and congestion of the lungs, supor,
and congestion of the brain ensue in Short the very
state of facts e have in what is called stroke.
How to avoid It, This may be summed up in very
few words-keep cool, both inside and out. 1t may
be hard to do so with the thermometer at 100 deg or
nearly, as it has been for weeks past; but keep
as cool as you can Remain in the shade as much as
possible do take violent exercise sponge the sur
face with cool water twice day or ottener.
Drink neither LIQUOR wine, larger beer Ice water
is not perfe city safe either. Cold consider nice,
l.ink weather, but tho hest of all.
is undoubtedly, that which Adam used in Paradise.
Observe these rules, my friend and will warrant thee
against stroke.
How to cure it. This is Just simple in theory as
how to avoid it. If unfortunately poor fellow has
attack Of heatfever, the main object is to take away
the of the disease and restore the system prompt
ly to its proper temperature. This is done best by
cold affuson. Strip the patient, place him in re-
cumbent posture with head and shoulders elevated and
battle the whole surface with cold water until the nat
ural temperature is restored. As drink cold tea is
the best alay the thirst and if the pulse is feeble
and features pale give brandy and ice water in mod
crate quantities Under this treatment alone major
ity of cases will recover Do not depend upon it how
ever altogether but send for respectable physician
not quack, as possible and leave the case to
his management. P. F. HARVEY.
Asst Surgeon, {. s. Army.