The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-07-17
HOT WEATHER CAUTION.


and the precautions necessary to avoid be-
ing overcome by heat. What is popularity
known as sunstroke may he one of two
things-heat exhaustion or heatsti oke.
Heat exhaustion is a result of prolonged
exposure to high temperatures, particularly
when combined with physical exerton,
and is liable to be followed by great pros
tration, collapse, restlessness, and in severe
cases by delirum. Unlike heatstroke, the
surface of the body is usually COOL the
pulse small and rapid, and the temperature
below normal-as low as % or 90 degrees
Fahrenheit 1t is not necessary that the
person shall have been exposed to the direct
rays of the sun, as the condition may come
on when working in close, confined rooms
during midsummer, and when exposed to
great artificial heat, as in laundries, foun-
dries, bake shops and engine rooms
Sunstroke or as it is sometimes called,
heatstroke, is chiefly confined to persons
working hard while exposed to the direct
rays of the sun. 1t is common in large
cities and is of occasional occurrence in the
country also. Those habituated to the use
of beer and whisky and the debilitated are
especially subject to attacks.
The attack may be sudden and the pa
tient be struck down and die within an
hour with symptoms of heart failure, diff
cult breathing and loss of consciousness.
The usual form comes on during exposure,
with pain in the head, dizziness, a feeling
of weakness and somestime nausea and
vomiting The loss of consciousness be
only transient or it may be complete. The
face is flushed, the skin pungent, the pulse
rapid and full and temperature very high,
from 107 degrees to 10 degrees Fahrenheit
! The breathing is labored and deep, some
times loud. 1t is important to note that
in heat exhaustion the skin is moist, pale
and cool; the breathing easy, though hur-
led; the pulse small and soft, and the
senses entire, while in heatstroke there is
usually insensibiity and great heat of skin
1t is particularly requested that the Old
adagr, "prevention is better than cure, >
| br followed There are many precautions
that can be taken, and were they better
understood and more generally practiced
| the number of fatalities from heat exposure
would be very materially reduced.
Dark, close. fitting and heavy clothing
and such as congresses the chest and neck
should not be worn during the heated term.
For those who are obliged to labor in the
sun light clothing and II straw or light felt
hat, permitting free circulation of the air
are preferable.
On very hot days one should drink fire.
quently of cool water in moderate quantity.
1t is Injurious to drink large quantity of
ice water, cold beer, soda water or other
mineral waters or iced drinks. Cool water,
in which oatmeal has been stirred, is a safe
and refreshing drink. Immediate death is
sometimes caused by ''ice cold" drinks.
| The immoderate use Of alcob alic beverages
! is also dangerous.
The sleeping room should he freely venti-
! lated. Constipation of the bowels should
be avoided. When overheated worl;
slowly, frequently cooling the head, chest,
| hack and wrists with cool water. Keep a
wet sponge or cloth in the hat. When on
a very hot day the skin becomes hot and
dry, and singing, burning sensation is
felt in the head, and the face is flushed and
the eyes boodshot, and there Is tendency
to urinate frequently, the person should
Immediately quit work, seek quiet and cool
place. and if not speedily relieved from the
oppressive sensation of heat take cold
bath, submerging or wetting the head.
The following is the treatment recon-
mended by the Board of Health: Remove
the patient to a cool and shady place, where
there is plenty of fresh, pure air. Strip
the clothing to the waist and place the
sufferer in Il recumhent position, Pour
cold water ice water upon the head and
chest and wrists until consciousness returns.
Apply ice to the head and rub the body
with it, hut if the skin is cold no ice
should be applied When practicable the
patient should be put in bath at 20
degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the tempera-
ture.
In heat exhaustion stimulants should be
given freely, and if the temperature is
below normal, as shown by the skin being
cold and clammy, the hot bath should be
used. Ammonia and water may be given
if necessary.
The subject of sunstroke is liable to a
second attack, and should do no mental
wo.k for months and keep from all excite
ment.-Philadelph ia Record
i II !.