The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-09-28
TREATMENT OF DIPnTlIRRIA.
Advice From a PhysieIan-Tho malady
Manageable If Promptly Taken in
Hand.

Advice From n PhySiclan-rhe MaIady
Manageable n Promptly Taken in
Hand.
Diphtheria has prevailed so long and
terribly in Brooklyn and New York that
the opinions Of the wisest and most ex.
perienced physicians should be sought,
in the hope OF finding some remedy fol
1t. Among the poor, bad air and food
are among the most active causes OF the
great mortality from II but still II will
only too often single out and kill itS
victims among the children Of the rich,
cleanly, and judicious.
In every case OF the disease OF course
pure air, II possible, and good food,
even II II have TO be begged. should be
procured. Any really good homemade
soups, be they Of beef, mutton, chicken,
are just as good and often far better
than beef tea; and they may be changed
from one TO the other as they pail upon
the patients taste. Good, undiluted
milk is quite rs useful as soup Of any
kind; and 1t may always be prevented
from turning sour, or making the
patient bilious or feYerish, by the addi-
tion Of large pinch OF soda to each
teacupful OF milk.
Beef tea, soup, or milk should be
taken frequently, and in as large quan.
titles as the stomach will bear and
digest without danger Of causing dis.
gust or nausea.
II stimulauts are required, and they
are generally wanted early and abun-
dainty, milk punch is the best but II
should always be made with the addi.
ton Of soda or limo water TO the milk,
for the reasons above stated.
II milk punch becomes distasteful,
barley water, rice water, arrow root,
ETC., may be used as bland vehicle fol
administering stimulants.
Then Of oil the remedies that o long
experience lover 80 years. has proved
eminently reliable, chlorate OF potash
is the best; but II should be given in
one way only, and also thoroughly. II
should be given dry upon the tongue,
pure, not mixed with sugar, and not
in solution. By giving it in this way,
II dissolves slowly in the mouth, and
gradually and efficiently comes in con-
tact with oil tho diseased parts OF the
throat. .u
It is slightly disagreeable Of first ;
but the youngest child soon becomes
accustomed to II. II takes away the
supposed necessity for forced local ap-
plfcations TO the throat, and II the lit
Tie patient be taught 10 open It's mouth
widely, without straining, and TO draw
in It's breath deeply OF the same time,
tho curtain Of tie palate will be drawn
up, and the whole back part OF the
throat, down to the windpipe, will be
exposed to view, without the use OF any
harsher means 10 obtain q view OF the
parts involved by the disorder.
This treatment must be persisted in,
the chlorate OF potash be given in doses
OF two, three, FIVE or more grains every
hour at first, until some decided i'm
proyement commences, or for one, two,
three, or even more days, without hest.
tation or ialtering. Often no apparent
improvement seems TO take place for
one, two, or more days; sometimes not
until nearly up to the fourth day. But
courage aud perseverance, will almost
certainly be rewarded with success ;
certainly four or FIVE times out OF
six.
This treatment Is considerate, but
efficient; tho child never becomes
afraid Of It's physician or attendants .
and generally, with little manage.
ment, takes or does oil that Is required
Of Il, because It's handling is always
gentle, or at least not harsh or distress.
Il the debility be very great, muriate
tincture Of iron may be required. II
the mouth be dry, glycerine may be put
into It frequently.
II may be true that in the most desti-
tute, flihiest, and careless classes the
beginning Of diphtheria may be the
beginning Of death, but / am very sure
that vast number Of lives can be
saved by the treatment above indicated.