Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-07-28
Cases 81 Saustfoko.
HOW rHEr ATTACK THEIR VICTIMS AND HOW 10 TRRAf

Cases oG Suussroke.
HOW THEY ATTACK THEIR VICTIMS AND HOW 10 TRRAf
THRA.
Dr. Robs in the Patssburs oasstte.
During the extremely hot summer OF 1881 over
1900 cases OF sunstroke occurred in the city OF
Cincinnati OF these 2SS died. 1t u probable that
In fully developed cases the mortality Ii much
higher, for in many instances about one-half Of
those attacked die. In every large city In the
United States this terrible malady claims its VIC
Tins whenever the temperature on clear days rises
TO $50 and upward.
An attack OF sunstrokei is nearly always preceded
BY certain symptoms which should direct the in
d1vfduafs attention TO the impending danger.
ton being checked-dryness OF the mouth and
throat, nushed face, sunuSion OF the eyes and
snroooing OF the head; In some cases there is
slight del1r1um, In others q sense OF weakness or
CONFUSION OF thought, with alternate flushing and
cooling Of the face, such as sometimes comes on
rapid, sometimes intermittent, and If the tempera-
ture OF the body be measured with the thermo-
meter, It VIII be found several degrees above
II no attention is paid to these premonitory
symptoms, and exposure TO the exciting cause
continues, the "stroke' comes. The person sud-
uenly lallS 10 the ground, becomes unconscious
and comatose, or is attacked by frequent convul-
sions. The breathing is deep, slow, and snoring;
the pulse very rapid and the skin dry and burning
variety clasSed as "heatstrOke, that Is TO say
where the individual was not directly exposed TO
pale, cold, and moist In these cases there great
danger OF paralysis OF the heart following extreme
exhaustion OF the nervous system.
The causes OF sunstroke are excessively high
temperature, exhausting physical labor, exces-
slve indulgence in alcoholic liquors and depriva-
ton OF water Soldiers on march in hot weather
are very subject to sunstroke especially when
suffering for want OF water. In the Federal Army
during the late war there were 1900 cases OF sun
from the medical Officers, the mortality was low.
. Nothing Is more firmly and cuncluSlvely eStab-
llshed In the whole range OF medical practice than
That lntemperance is The most prominent and
latal predispOsng cause Of sunstrOke. A drunken
man Is not only much more likely to be attacked,
but he is almost certain to die from the effects.
All authorities are agreed upon this point. the
most ef1cient preventive measure may, therefore,
liquors.
The means Of prevention are already indicated
6y a consideration OF the causes. Exposure 70
hlgn temperature or excessive exerti0n should be
avoided. This Is, however, easier said than done
In most cases. Hence. whatever measures will re-
duce the evil influence or the above conditions
must must be adopted. When exposed TO the sun a
light, differentiated hat should be worn. A
broad-brlmmed straw, probably, answers the de-
mand better than any other. The cork helmet, as
worn In the East Indies Is also serviceable but Its
unsightliness will probably prevent its general
In this country. A sponge or handkerchief, wet
with cold water, placed In the hat. will keep the
mead cool and produce general reduction OF tem-
perature In the body. This is q measure which
should be adopted, especially by soldiers on q
march. The clothing should be loose and light,
VIII counterfeit the perniciOuS effects of the high
temperature. Plenty OF water internally is one OF
the pest preventtveS Of SunSlrOke.
IN case OF sunstroke, competent physician
should be at once sent for But IN the meanwhile
the oystanders should not be idle. II the individ-
ual Is unconscious, and has a hot, dry skin, the
clothing about the upper portion or the body
should be opened, and cold water poured over
him: II the water IS poured upon the head from
The height OF several feet the effect will be greater
so long as the heat OF the skin seems excessive,
the cold enusion should be continued COnyul.
sions do not contra-indicate this treatment. When
the temperature OF The body has become re-
ducel In This way. and Inconsistencies still
continues, hot mustard pOult1ces should BIZ
applied to the abdomen and limbs. This
may be done at first In those cases IN which
the skin Is cold and moist and there seems To be
tendency TO collapse. III the patent can swallow
strong hot coffee or tea 1t may be given in small
Quantities, taking care not to OverDurden the
stomach and cause vomiting. Whisky or brandy
should be given With great caution. In extreme
cases OF depression a tablespoonful or whisky
with teaspoonfui OF aromatic spirits or ammonia
may BE- the one thing needed To save life, but the
Judgment required In deciding when 1t shall be
given is seldom found.