The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-08-05
HINTS FOR HOT WEATHER.
The Prevention and Cure of Sunstroke-
symptoms OF the Addiction.

weather during the rest of the summer and
early fall months, rendered probable by the
average low temperature OF the season thus
far, the Illinois State Board of Health has
prepared the following memorandum con-
corning sunstroke. For practical purposes
OF prevention and Treatment. what is known
as "sunstoEe' should be divided into two
FORMS
First-Simpe heat exhaustion, the Jesuit
of fatigue overexer.ion, or depression from
any cause during exposure to a nigh temper
allure, but not necessarily to the direct rays
OF the sun. In this form there is syncOpe or
fainting, great depression of the nervous and
prostration Of the muscular systems; ;he
skin is pale cool and moist or wet with rar-
spiration; lips pallid; pulse small gu ok,
and feeble; the pupil o the eye dilated
mind feeble, but conscious after the usually
brief fainting fit.
Treatment-I.av the sufferer down in a
cool, shaded place; raise the hips and legs
and keep the head lower than the trunk-the
object being to favor the return of blood to
the head without impeding respiration. Ut
is bad to incline the whole body with the
head loves. since the weight OF the abdomi-
nal contents pressing upon the diaphragm
interfereS with its action and, consequently,
with the free play of TIE lungs. In faint 1g
fits keep the trunk horizontal, head lower
than the body, and hips and legs raised,
until the patient RECEIVERS consciousness
REMOVE or loosen All Iltsnt or oppressive
clOthing-beltS, straps, collars, ETC., every
thing tending to obstruct or check the circu-
lation. Give ten drops of laudanum in a
tablespoonful of whisky or brandy, properly
diluted. Ii the surface of the body and
limbs continues cold and clammy, chafe the
skin with the hands or with wooden cloths.
Cold applications to the surface should only
be used to induce reaction, and had better be
postponed until the arrival of the physician,
who will Greet all subsequent measures.
Unless death occurs during the state of
collapse from failure of the hearts action,
these cases usually recover without any seri
Gus trouble; but rest and freedom from ex-
posure to heat fatigue, or overexert ON,
should be enjoined until the strength is
fully restored.
Second-Sunstroke or heatstroke proper,
is a much more serious affair. Although
sometimes separately classified a sunstroke,
and as thermic fever or heat fever, Ording
to the cause, both these classes are considered
as one for the purpose of memorandum.
The symptoms differ markedly from those of
heat exhaustion, and indicate a totally diff
ferent line of treatment. Measures which
are beneficial in the one would be disastrous
in the other. In sunstroke proper there IS
profound Inconsistencies; a red, ferrety
exe-ball, with contracted pupil; the skin hot
and usually dry; a throbbing, full, rapid
| pulse; hurried, gasping breathing; frequent
~ there is convulsion or rigidity of the
muscular system, but as the attack
continues, the patient lies on his back
| without sense or motion, and breathing ster
| torously and rapidly; the face may be either
| deeply flushed and cOngested. or palid and
bloodless, but always dry, harsh and burning
| to the touch.
Observation-Disclosures the patient into the
| shade; raise the head and upper part of the
| body above thehorizontal; strip off alT cloth
ing and apply ice-water vigorously and con-
| tinuously until the arrival of the pay ician.
| The sole object of any treatment which G
non professional should attempt is 20 reduce
| the body heat. Applying cold doucheS TO the
| head and spine, sponging the feet and eX
| tremities with cold water or turning stream
| upon them from hose, putting pieces of Ice
| in the arm-pits, and rubbing the body over
| with ice as large as can be handled, are all
| that should be done except by the advice and
| under the direction of a med'ca' man. Do
| not attempt to give stimulants or to bleed,
| or even to move the patient fro n the semi
| reclining position in which he is first placed,
| but get the attendance OF doctor as soon as
| possible, and meanwhile keep up the ice and
cold-water treatment.
| Prevention-In health the normal tenn
| perature of the body is maintained, indie
| pendent of the atmospheric temperature,
| mainly through the functions of the skin.
| Free Precipitation and consequent evapora-
| ton. when the other bodily functions are
| at pretty uniform degree of heat What
ever tends to interfere with the skin func-
! tion-whether it be directly through want
| OF cleanliness, bad air. errors of diet and UNI
| suitable clothing, or, less directly thro Ugh
| the nervous system, by excuses of any kind
| prepares the subject for an attack of one or
| the other form of sunstroke. Based on this
| general proposition, each for himself should
| correct whatever is defective in his habits of
| life and adjust himself to the prevailing tenn
| perature.
| Specifically, the following suggestions will
| be found useful for those who are exposed TO
| the sun. Loose-fitting thin wooden clothing
| next the skin; free Ven .ilatiOn OF the head
| covering which shou, sbe light in color and
| texture; q full bath, or at least a sponge
bath, once day; prompt consultation with
/ physician upon the first symptoms OF
| trouble with the function of the skin or kid
| neys; temperance in both food and drink.
| and especially in the use of ice-water or
| other cold beverage when overheated; reg
| ular habit of the bowels; regular hours; we'll
| ventilated sleeping room and work place;
| avoidance of excitement, overexertion and
| excessive fatigue.
| An attack OF sunstroke is usually preceded
sometimes for hours, sometimes for days
by general discomfort, nervous depression,
constipation, excessive action of the kid
| news, pain in the head, a sense of fullness
and depression at the ''pit of the stomach"
| occasional nausea and vomiting, general
| feeling of weakness, especially of the lower
| limbs; vertigo and dimness, or other disorder
| of vision. Such symptoms during heated
| term should not be disregarded, but should
receive proper medical treatment at once.
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