Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-06-25
TREATMENT OF CHOLERA-wATER.


HADENsvILLE, KY, June 10, 1888.
Having seen one or two articles recently,
in the papers, on the subject of the use OF
"water" in the treatment OF choiera, Wnetner
the patient should te allowed its use during
the course OF the disease, l w'ite you what
I have observed Of its use.
saw ard treated quite large number
of cases of this disease during its prevail
ence in st. Louis in the years 1866 and '67,
and | propose giving in this article orlei
SYNOPSIS of its treatment in the hands OF
some distinguished physicians in that city,
together with my Own, which seemed TO De
most beneficial
Assuming that it is generally understood
that the disease In the greater proportlon Oh
cases passes through three successful stages:
It is generally ushered IN with the D1Grr-
heal Stdqe. The Second stage, (if the first
be not relieved) speedily follows With ln-
creased purgation, vomiting and cramplng.
Tie Third stage, or that of Collapse msy
he known by the excessive colJness OF the
skin-cold and clammy, feeble pulse and
c. Id breath, with great distress in breath
ing.
THE TREATMENT.
The treatment of the first st sc was very
similar to that of ordinary disrrhoea, Gallo
mel and opium being the main remedies,
pursued with a greater degree OF Vlgor, not
using either in very large doses. Usually
from half a grain to grain of opium and
from two to five grains of calomel, every
hour until three or four doses we're TAKEN,
generally being sufficient, with absolute
rest. If thirst be manifest, small pieces OF
nounded ice given frequently.
In the second stage, as medicines were
seldom if ever retained by the stomach,
hey should be administered oy tne suDeu-
taneoIs or hypodermic method. Merphla
administered in this way, say fJurtn OF n1ll
q grain generally produces conslders0ie
degree Of eomfor frequently slaying Sne
distressing crsmping and vomiting. lced
Champagne may he given frequently III
small quantities. In this, as Well as In tue
first stage, there is a conti ion OF exosmosis,
or fo,cinQ out Of the watery portion OF Ine
blood.
I'm the third, or last stage, there ire
ouently exists the very opposite condition;
| IN I of EndosmOsis or JfOectng-an OF tne
fin DIS. especially if ad Mustered oy the
rectum in the form of H. jectioDs. PatlenLs
would not ONLY retain them well, but they
were rapidly absorbed into the circula'lop.
The blood vessels fill up slowly-the pulse
from having been imperceptible, or nearly
so, gradually regains its strength and
volume. The color of the skin, which pre-
yiously had been of livii or purple hue
regained somewhat of its natural appear
ance. ,;.t,r
A small quantity of brandy or WHISKY
NAV he introduced in th way in the III
iections, which should be comp 1sed OF OF
oruel strained or mix and water--c re
being Il sen to have these stimulaais "e
dfla.ed. The injections should be teil''
| and given ID amounts varying rrr,m one 70
three pints. The syringe shoeIu Oe We"
filed to prevent the ingress of air.
No case was observed in which any
benefit was derived from the use OF ex-
ternaI applications, in the form of blIsters
or M connter -irritants. The diet should he
yery gradually resumed several days afteI
| every symptom of the disease has suosideo