The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-07-24
WEALTH BINTS
For Old and Young
BY FELIX l.. OSWALD. 81 D.,
Author of "Physcal EducIsion": Household
Remedies; The Bible OF Nature" etc.
For Old and Young.
BY FELIX L. oswALn. 81. D.
CHAPTER LXXvI.
sUMMER coMpLAINrs-l eontinnedl.

CHAPTER BhAf1.
SUMMER COMPLAINTS (contiuued).
The manifold unsanitary arrangements Of
our sO-Called civilization are strikingly illus
trated by the circumstance that many diseases
almost unknown in primitive communities are
sadly sure to make their appearance in large
cities, with all their hospitals, drugstOres and
medical commissions.
Typhoid fever, for instance, is known only
from hcarsay in many villages not otherwise
remarkable for health-giying surroundings,
such as the settlements in the river-swamps of
the Lower Mississippi, or in the marshy coast
lands of the Southern Gulf States. The dis
ease would, indeed be considered almost ex
clusively city disorder, if it were known how
many other Summer complaints are, in rustic
communities, apt to be mistaken for typhoid
fever, owing to the curiOusly complicated
symptoms of that malady. Irregular chils
and deliTium are, on the whole, the most char
aGteristic OF those indications, but, besides all
the following complications have been observed
III malignant cases: Banguor. trembling of the
motor muscles, headache, loss of appetite peeV-
ishness, restlessness and curious caprices Of the
patient, diarrhea, severe retchng fits, peculiar
glossy appearance Of the tongue, pains in the
lower ribs on the right side, bemorrhage from
the bowels, swollen abdomen, sleeplessness, and
a greatly accelerated pulse. In severe cases
40 pulSe-beats have been counted in one min
ute, and those paroxysms of fever are nearly
always accompanied by symptoms OF delirium ::
the patient talks incoherently or answers imag-
mary questions in nighttime is apt to be
frightened By apparitions, tries 10 get ont of
bed, or gestlcul ates az If defending himself
against sudden attack.
Those mental affections occasionally continue
for weeks after the fever itself has subsidized,
and the lOOseneSs Of the bowels is apt TO be fol-
lowed by obstinate const patton but a more
uff nra off Il. .F.
which now and then perlorate the affected in
testines, risk not lessened by the use OF such
drugs as quinine in the enormous quantities
formerly prescribed to break the paraxysms Of
tho disease
As mentioned before, the name of the COM
paint IS often applied to much less serious dis
orders, but true typhoid fever appears to be
nearly always due to the contamination Of food
and drinking water by disease germs generated
in eess-pools and Accommodations of excrements
lll-cemented cisierns and wells may thus be-
come the seed plots of iife-cndangeriug disor-
ders, and the analysis of the subsOil moisture
OF large cities almost justifes the plan of a
New England physician, who urges private
families to purify their own drinking water By
boiling and iiltering it, and then coOlingit with
ice manufactured with similar methods of pre-
caution.
As a rule, however. the selection of sani-
taTy building-site aud preference of suburban
cottage to the finest residence in the crowded
downtown quarters Of large city, will greatly
reduce the risk OF infection. As in other fsbriIe
disorders the best natural specific is refrigera-
ton, either by ice-paCks or by the prompt re-
moyai OF the patient TO an airy highland re-
gion best with cool nights and woodland
breezes. What is termed the incubation period
of the fever may last from three to six days,
and patients removed before the development
OF the critical symptoms may often be cured
without any artificial specifics, and under excep-
tiOnaly favorable circumstances even a more adj
vEuced stage Of the disorder may be successfully
treated by purely hygienic means. In one case,
where the severity of the chills and frequent
vomiting fits left no doubt about the real ma
ture Of the affection, the patient was removed
20 highland resort nearly 1000 feet above the
level OF the river valley that had originated
the complaint. The heat (about the end Of
july was aggravated by the suitrineSs of the
weather, and became rather oppressive even in
the summit regions OF the mountain range, but
the nights, at least. were invariably COOL aud
by the influence OF drafts from two wide-open
bedroom windows and promenades along the
prospect road OF the plateau in the cool Of
tho early morning. the patient was restored to
comparatively satisfactory state of health be-
fore the end OF the taiTd day; his pulse became
more regular. his appetite returned. his tenn
perature subsidized nearly eight degrees; the
Development OF the fever had bean eiectually
checked.
In cases precluding the employment of such
expcd lents, the patient should DO relieved by
cold spOngc-baths, ice-packs, cold enemas and
cooling congresses of the bowels. Whatever
may be the genesis of the fever microbes, their
development appears 10 require the combined
influence of heat and moisture and TO be
arrested by refrigeration in every available
form. An ice-pIck applied to the head rarely
fails 70 prevent symptoms of delirium; cold
enemas make the use of quinine almost super
fluous, aud wet-sheet pack applied as soon as
the fever has been got under control will
nearly always prevent relapse, provided that
the patient Is for u week confined to a sparing
aud frugal diet.
Experience has left no doubt that typhoid
fever must be classed with the infectious dis
eases that can be- communicated by means of
the atmosphere; for the utmost care in Sc
curing the purity of food and drink may now
and then fail to prevent the communication of
the fever from one to other members of 4
family occupying the same bedroom. The
patient should at once be isolated. OF, as an
alternative, removed to a public hospital and
the younger members of the family should if
possible, be sent out of town, especially in
close. sultry weather. which seems to be spe-
claily favorable to the propagation Of the
disease
For several weeks after recovery il is A good
plan TO guard the patient against the influence
of high temperature. Neither quinine nor
antiseptic brandy will prevent distressing after
effects IL a typhoid convalescent should be
exposed TO the sweltering atmosphere Of an
iu-ventilated workshop or dormtory before
the end Of Summer. AS far as possible, his
working hours should be limited to the fore
noon. and his diet to fruit, vegetables, cold
milk, and light farinaeeous dishes.
TTo Be eoDiiuu.dl