Year: 1879

Its Causes, Prevention and Treatment,


Assistant Sanitary Superintendent
James, Of New York city, having been
applied to for some information on the
subject of prostration by the heat, said
that the term sunstroke, or insolation,
was commonly applied to all cases where
persons were seriously overcome by the
heat of the weather, which sometimes
occurred at night, but that it was espe-
cially likely to take place when one was
exposed to the direct rays of the sun, un-
less there was something to cool the sys-
TEN by occasioning rapid evaporation
from the body. The dryer the air was,
the more free was this evaporation, and
therefore the danger of prostration was
greatest on sultry days, when the air
was filed with moisture. Sunstroke
was often sudden, its effects being a con-
gestion of the brain, and perhaps of other
internal organs, together with general
nervous exhaustion. The more strength
and vigor person possessed, the less
likely he was to be prostrated in this
manner, and therefore old people, chill
dren and persons of any age who were i'll
or wearied were especially liable to be
affected by sunstroke. Persons who had
been drinking much alcoholic liquor of
any sort, or were in the habit of doing
so, were also particularly exposed to this
danger.


AS to the precautions to be observed
in very hot weather, DR.. James said that
the principal safeguard against injurious
effects from the heat was moderation in
all things-in eating, in drinking and in
exercise. OF course it was desirable to
keep in the shade as much as possible,
and men who had to work in the sun
should keep q cabbage leaf or wet cloth
on the head, inside the hat. AS to diet,
there were no particular rules, except
that persons should eat what agreed
with them and was easily digested. The
appetite was usually not so keen in sum-
mer as in winter. and there was less need
of meat or fat. Ice water could be taken
moderately without danger, but when
drunk in large quantities it was very in
furious, as it was likely to check perspir-
alton too suddenly and cause too sudden
reduction in the temperature of the
stomach. Cold tea was an excellent
summer drink, as it was stimulating and
was in the habit of taking alcoholic bev-
erages, claret was as cooling and health
full as any.


In regard to the treatment of persons
overcome by the heat, DR.. James referred
to the following circular, which was
prepared by the Sanitary Committee of
the New York Board of Health several
years ago:


Sunstroke is caused by excessive heat,
and especially if the weather is ''muggy."
1t is more apt to occur on the second,
third or fourth day of heated term
than on the first. Loss of sleep, worry,
excitement, close sleeping rooms, de-
bility, abuse of stimulants, predispose
to it. 1t is more apt to attack those
working in the sun, and especially be-
tween the hours of eleven o'clock in the
morning and four o'clock in the after
noon. On hot days wear thin clothing.
Have as cool sleeping rooms as possible.
Avoid loss of sleep and all unnecessary
fatigue. If working indoors, and where
there is artificial heat-laundries ETC.
see that the room is well ventilated.


If working in the sun, wear light
hat (not black, as it absorbs heat),
straw, etc., and put inside of it on the
head wet cloth or n large green leaf;
frequently lift the hat from the head and
see that the cloth is wet. Do not check
perspiratio1, but drink what water you
need to keep it up, as perspiration pre-
vents the body from being overheated,
Have whenever possible an additional
shade, as thin umbrella, when walk





working in the sun. When much fa-
tigued do not go to work, but be excused
from work, especially after eleven
o'clock in the morning on very hot days,
ifthe work is in the sun. If feeling Of
fatigue, dizziness, headache or exhaus-
ton occurs, cease work Immediately,
lie down in shady and cool place; ap-
ply cold cloths to and pour cold water
over head and neck. Ifany one is over
come by the heat, send Immediately for
the nearest good physician. While
waiting for the physician give the per-
son cool drinks of water or cold black
tea. or cold coffee, if able to swallow.
If the skin is hot and dry, sponge with
or pour cold water over the body and
limbs. and apply to the head pounded
ice wrapped in a towel or otEer cloth.
If there is no ice at hand, keep a cold
cloth on the head, and pour cold water
on it as well as on the body.


If the person is pale, very faint, and
pulse feeble let him inhale ammonia for
a few seconds, or give him teaspoonful
Of aromatic spirits of ammonia in two
tablespoonfuls of water with a little
sugar.