The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-09-01

Their Symptoms and the Precautions % II.


Observed.
Sunstrokes, or, as they may be more
properly called, heat strokes, depend
largely upon the heat of the body. Every
thing tending to weaken the organism,
such as previous disease. anxiety, over
work. worry. especially Incorporate
habits, is a predisposing cause. As the
temperature of the body is kept normal
largely through the healthy action OF the
skin. personal uncleanliness, dirty cloth
ing and i'll ventilated surroundings all
increase liability to the attack. 1t has
also been found that heat stroke finds
many victims among those who wear ex-
cessively tight garments and thus i'm
pede the healthy working of the heart
and lungs.
There are always more cases of heat
stroke on hot days when the air is heav-
lily charged with moisture than when
the atmosphere, though hot, is dry and
clear. 1t has been estimated that of the
number of persons attacked not more
than 90 per cent recover.
By some authorities the symptoms Of
heat stroke have been divided into three
classes in the order of their intensity.
The first form is known as cheat syn
COPE" when the symptoms are those of
exhaustion and giddiness, with a tenden-
cy to faint, followed by drowsiness and
passing into syncope, the patient having
an intermittent pulse and gasping or
signing respiration. In the second kind
of heat stroke-known as heat apoplexy
or asphyxia-the symptoms are flushing
OF the face, swollen eyes, quick, full
pulse, stertorous breathing, with occa-
sional insensibility and commissions. The
third form Of the attack is characterized
by an excessive development of fever,
the temperature of the body rising to
1903 degrees or 10 degrees F. or more.
There are great thirst, quick, full pulse,
headache, nausea and vomiting, to-
gether with difficulty of breathing. This
attack lasts for variable period, often
for one or two days, and death may re-
suit from collapse.
All three kinds of heat stroke, in fact,
are capable of causing death, but If
prompt remedial measures be taken the
patient may recover.
"A person attacked with heat stroke
should be removed as quickly as possible
to cool place. The treatment adapted
is special, according to the character of
the attack. The tendency to heart
failure from syncope is met by the use
of diffusive stimulants, such as ammonia
or ether, together with friction or warmth
applied to the extremities. When there
is high development of fever, the appli-
cation of cold is recommended in the
form of the cold douche for the head and
spine, rubbing with ice, cold immersion,
wet sheet swathing and enemata Of ice
cold water-a form of treatment which at
once lowers the temperature Of the body
and stimulates the respiratory functions.
To restore consciousness mustard or
turpentine may be applied to the nrpe
Of the neck or chest, while, if uncon-
seriousness still persists, the hair of the
patient should be removed and his scalp
blistered. Meanwhile the extremities
may be blistered with mustard poultices
Some physicians also advise q purgative
injection consisting Of mixture of cas-
tor oil and oil Of turpentine with two
drains Of tincture of asafetida in about
half pint Of barley water. The use Of
stimulants is advised.