Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-07-20
SunstrOke.

There has been an unusual number Of
cases early in the season this summer
Maybe the sun spots disturb the electric
conditions on our earth and cause the
violent alterations Of hot and cold
weather we have suffered from in 1892
Or maybe it was the presidential con.
ventions that did it, and the weather will
steady itself now that they are over.
AT any rate, keep cool in your mind
and temper and you will not be half or
quarter so apt to get a sunstroke as the
irritable, excitable individual But if
you or any of your friends do get sun
struck, DR.. John A. Roger tells us what
TO do as follows, both in case of mere
heat exhaustion and of actual sunstroke:
Heat exhaustion is a condition of extreme
depression-the whole body Is thoroughly ex-
hausted and relaxed and the patient in a
fainting state; the face presents pale, sticky,
clammy aspect, with the features drawn and
pinched just as in the throes of death. The
temperature Of the body Is below normal,
although the patient may be perfectly con-
scious and rational.
AAo AltdNAutll bnOul1 DC IlfsI 10 remove the
sufferer TO cool, shady spot, placing him flat
on his back, with head low; loosen all clothes
around the neck, but do not remove the cloth
ing from the body, because in this condition
the bodily warmth must be retained. Battle
the face with rags wrung out in ordinary cold
water, and this treatment will be all that is
necessary in nine-tenths Of all cases of heat
exhaustion, and the patient will be sufficiently
recovered to be removed TO some quiet place
for rest. Should the patient be slow in coming
around and show signs of depression, becom-
ing cooler, shivering, blue in the face, with
an increasing numbness, then stimulation and
the external application Of heat are called for.
The best thing to give is hot water 10 sip,
and it may be given in any quantities Avoid
alcohol in any shape, as IL Is positively detrf-
mental.
Heatstroke or sunstroke comes from the ii-
rect rays of the sun, the heat from engine
rooms, sugar houses, etc. These are preceded
by distinct symptoms, which warn the exposed
person that an attack Is imminent.
The symptoms are headache, dizziness and
general muscular weakness, the head feeling
rs though being pressed forcibly down on the
body. When these signs appear all exertion
should cease instantly and cool place sought
where lying down position is TO be assumed.
When the stroke comes on, the skin Of the
body is red, dry, hot and burning, and the face
Is also flushed and red. The patient becomes
with a blowing, hurried breath
Ing due to the nervous excitement, and In the
Of cases with no perspiration.
To prevent sunstroke alcoholic liquors should
be strenuously avoided and plenty of water
taken while at work, as it causes profuse per-
spiration, there being little danger of sun
stroke as long as perspiration is plentiful.
In treating patient he must be placed on
bis back with the head slightly elevated. Use
cold water freely. but gently, and never dash
1t over the sufferer, as It may cause a severe
shock If so administered. Then apply ice TO
The head, abdomen and around the region of
the heart, wrapping towels, wrung out of ice,
around the extremities. This simple treat
ment viii be found effective in almost every
Ease, and is the most approved plan known.
After partial recovery or in cases of extreme
resultant weakness the patient may need sub
sequent hospital treatment. but II followed as
directed this tIeatment will. except in extreme
Eases, be all that is necessary for relief and
pure.