Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-09-15

NO. 2l3.
Correspondence Of the Tribune.l
TREATMENT OF DIPnTDERIA.

SIR: Diphtheria has prevailed 50 long
and terribly in Brooklyn and this city that
the opinions of the wisest and most ex-
perienced physicians should be sought, in
the hope of finding some remedy for it.
Among the poor, bad air and food are
among the most active causes of the great
mortality from it; but still it will only too
often slngleuout and kill its victims among
the children OF the rich, cleanly and judi
cious.
In every case Of the disease of course,
pure air. if possible, and good food, even
II 1t have to be begged, should be pro-
cured. 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 pa
TENTS taste. Good undiluted milk is
quite as useful as soup Of any kind; and
it may always be prevented from turning
sour, or making the patient bilious or fe-
versh, by the addition of large pinch of
soda to each teacupful of milk.
Beef tea. soup or milk should be taken
frequently, and in as large quantities as
the stomach will bear and digest without
danger of causing disgust or nausea.
ii stimulants are required, and they are
generally wanted early and abundantly.
milk punch is the best; but it should
always be made with the addition of soda
or lime water to the milk, for the reasons
above stated.
If milk punch becomes distasteful, bar.
ley water, rice water, arrow root, ETC.,
may be used as a bland vehicle for admin
istering stimulants.
Then of all the remedies that long ex-
perience Cover 80 years) has proved en-
inently reliable, chlorate of potash is the
best; but it should be given in one way
only, and also thoroughly. 1t should be
given dry upon the tongue, pure, not
mixed with sugar, and not in solution. By
giving it in this way, it dissolves slowly
in the mouth, and gradually and efficient
ly comes in contact with all the diseased
parts of the throat.
1t is slightly disagreeable at first: but
the youngest child soon becomes accus-
toned to it. 1t takes away the supposed
necessity for forced local applications to
the throat, and if the little patient be
taught to open its mouth widely, without
straining, and to draw in its breath deeply
at the same time, the curtain of the pal
ate 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 to obtain view of
the parts involved by the disorder.
This treatment must be persisted in. the
chlorate of potash being given in doses of
two, three, five or more grains every hour
at first, until some decided improvement
commences, or for one, two, three, or
even more days, without hesitation or fall
tering. Often no apparent Improvement
seems to take place Tor one, two, or more
days; sometimes not until nearly up to the
fourth day. But courage and persever-
ance will almost certainly be rewarded
with success; certainly four or FIVE times
out of six.
This treatment is considerate, but eff.
cient; the child never becomes afraid of
its physician or attendants; and general
ly, with a little management, takes or
does all that is required OF it, because its
handling is always gentle, or at least not
harsh or distressing.
If the debility be very great, muriate
tincture of iron may be required. If the
mouth be dry, glycerine may be put into
it frequently.
1t may be true that in the most destitute,
filthiest, and careless classes the begin
ming of diphtheria may be the beginning
of death, but am very sure that q vast
number Of lives can be saved by the treat
ment above indicated. J.C.P.
NEW YORK, Sept, 8. 1874