Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-07-01
GOMMUNICATED.
Sun Stroke.

w me those affected with sun-strokc fall in
ScnSiOiH' TO the ground, and sometimes die
III snoTe uhe, 1t Is, by no means, al
wy ia'a' III its termination; nor is 1t always
"''"ou, plecursory symptoms that indicate an
'mpendlng attack. It's approach is foretold by
au ihaescribabe feeling of oppression and de-
preSSion, The respiration becomes labored and
ueen. Inc lace alteruatcs with redness and
p'ii',' ana presents an expression Of fatigue
ana DEBILITY. The eyes wear dull look, and
the e head feels hot, full and gddy, with OCCASION
al ap slarp pains 10 the temples. The heart grows
tremulouS, weak and siuking, and the pulse uu-
natural and irregular. a tired sensation per
vades every hub, and the hands trouble aud
the voice becomes faint and hollow. The mus
cular system OF the whole body gives uumistak.
able evidence OF an extraordinary degree of
nervous depression, and if the warning pro.
CLAIMED by these symptoms is unheeded by those
who are exposed to the heat Of the sun, and
the effort to work them off, is persevered in,
all OF them are soon aggravated, and danger
and death are imminet.
The premontory symptoms last from half an
hour to day or more, and when prolonged,
they usually subSde at night aud return during
the day, when the cause is brought to act upon
the brain, and it is thus Indicated that an
avoidance of the heat o.: the mid day SUI, is the
only means OF escape rom threatened attack.
When Il physician is called to see a we'll marked
case the first thing which he observes is the
prostra ION aud usensibiliy of his suffering pa
tient. lie finds his patient pulse feeble aud
irregular, aud notices spaSmDdc tWltchlug
about the muscles Of the wrists aud lips. The
face wears the deepest expression of painful hag-
gardnc>s, aud the eyes are either partially closed
or shut. The teeth are firmly set, and the power
of deglutition is lost. If fluid is forced through
the lips, no effort is made to swallow it, and it
passes out at the corners Of the mouth. Each
respiration is attended with distressing moan,
and the eXtremities are cold, and covered with
proiuse and canmy sweat. Everything in
his appearance indicates Immediate dissolution;
but fortunately, even from this extreme condi-
ton, mant escape death, and are restored to
health, without either the mind or body being
Injured by the attack
The remedial agents used for the treatment
Of this affection are simple and easily procured
in almost every locality, aud consist in the APP
plicatlon Of cold water to the head. and the
diligcut use o. stimulants internally and exter-
nally The sufferer is to be placed 10 cool
and comfortable position, with his head on a
level or little lower than the rest Of the body,
and pitchertul after picheriul Of cold water
poured upon the forehead and the water
allowed to run freely over the head and face,
and the process is to be continued uutll some
evidence of restoration is manifested. AS an
adjuvaut to this, mustard plasters are to be APP
piled to the wrists, ankles and over the stomach;
and as soon as the sufferer is able to swallow
the least quantity, brandy and water, or whs.
key and water, or any other stimuant that may
be convenient, administered at once and at
pleasure AS soon as the power of swallowing
returns restoration may be confidently expect
ed, in period varying from an hour to six or
l. l. Il. Al.
is not only evident in its approach but we'll
marked in its character, and that any one can
apply the simple and convenient means adopted
for its cure Most respectfully,
J. B. JOHNSON, NJ. D.
Alexandria, June 9th, 1872.