The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-07-23
BY EARLE G. BROWN. NJ. D.

Il 4 HAISlE o1hONN M AsA. AOs
Tuberculosis probably makes more
attempts at self repair, than any of the
other infectious diseases AS result,
there is often great scar formation,
with a cutting down of the normal
amount of lining tissue.
After a diagnosis Of tuberculosis has
been made, the question then arises as
to whether the treatment shall be in
the home or sanatorium. A great
many individuals do not have suffi-
cient funds for sanatorium treatment,
while others are prejudiced against
entering such an institution. In the
home there are many difficulties to be
met, such as the control of the pa
tient, worries and cares and the too
close association o. the patient with
others who are free from the disease.
Definite Instructions.
Nevertheless. when home treatment
is decided upon, it becomes necessary
to insist upon certain definite tnstruc-
lions to the patient, his relatives and
friends; insistence upon a definite pro-
gram and surrounding the patient
with as near hospital conditions as the
home will permit. Consequently, the
patient should be supplied with open
air sleeping quarters, where he may
be comfortable at all times and in all
kinds of weather. The patient should
be able to receive at all times, a maxi
mum of rest and an absolute freedom
of all worries and cares. The home
treatment will be successful only in
proportion to the manner in which
the fundamental health principles are
carried out. By these principles, we
mean a carefully followed outline of
regular living, regular hours for rest
and exercise, the proper food at reg
ular hours, the necessary medicines
and whatever measures are necessary
to build up the patient.
reRnll hveia0iC and dfafetfc
treatment must be carried out If there
is to be a real benefit derived. To
arrest or cure a lesion of the lungs,
not only requires weeks and months,
but years and for this reason the pa
tient must be reasonable and follow
the directions as given.
Should Have Private Room
The patient should occupy a room
by himself. There should be plenty
of fresh air and sunshine. He should
have an open air apartment when
practicable and this may be arranged
in different ways. A great many of
the present day homes are equipped
with sleeping porches and these may
be utilized. Occasionally tents having
wooden floors are used. If impossible
to have an open air sleeping compart
ment, a room with two or more win
| dows may be used and the bed placed
| where there will be the advantage of
Il
| ent weather, a window tent may be
used.
A regular schedule should be given
| to the patient to follow. On begin
ming the treatment, 1T is absolutely
| necessary to have rest, whole or part
| time, depending on the temperature
of the patient. The rule followed by
n great many physicians is to keep a
patient with temperature of 1915 or
above in bed. AS the temperature
| falls, the patient may be allowed a
gradually increasing amount of exer-
else, but the temperature must be the
index.
Regularity in Daily Routine.
Regularity in the daily routine Is
necessary to secure the best results.
The ideal arrangement is to have the
day begin and end at certain regular
hours and have a fixed hour for the
meals. The hour for retiring should
be not later than $50. Certain abso-
Lutte rest periods should be followed.
The time between rest periods may be
utilized in light exercise, reading, writ
ing, visiting with friends or light
amusement.
The instruction given by the physi-
clan, to avoid infection of others.
should be carefully followed. The
sputum should be carefully collected
and burned. The method of choice
for collection of the sputum is the
paper cup. which may be destroyed.
These cups are of paper and are wa
terproof. Cloth or paper napkins may
be used, but are not so satisfactory as
the cups.
The dishes used by the patient
should be kept separate from those
used by the other members of the
family. They should be boiled OF
scalded after each meal. The patient
whenever coughing, should cover his
, mouth with napkin or handkerchief
In conclusion, therefore, too much
emphasis can not be laid upon the i'm
, portance of rest and fresh air in the
treatment of all cases of tuberculosis
, By proper regulation of habits and the
: use of common sense, it is possible in
| very great number of cases, unless
in the advanced stage, to effect q
cure.