The Home.

White Ribbon, Volume 1, Issue 8, 1 February 1896, Page 7

The Home.

DYSENTERY. By A.W. As it is high summer, and cases of this form of sickness are prevalent, I have been asked to say a few words regarding its natural mode of treatment. On the first symptoms an injection cf a pint or a pint and a half of cold water will be found to be of great avail. This may be repeated twice or thrice, and in all probability the danger will be averted. But if the system has been weakened by drugs or by previous ill-health, then further remedies must be resorted to. We would strongly advocate the warm soapy sitz bath, followed by the cold sitz, accompanied with the laving of the abdomen and the gentle douche which in a previous number we have already described at length. After the patient is in bed, the legs and feet should be packed in hot soapy blankets, and afterwards well rubbed. They should never be allowed to get cold. To obviate this condition a bag or bottle of hot water, covered with a damp flannel, should be placed at the feet. Moist heat, not dry heat, is wanted ; it is nature’s method of imparting life. A lather of barilla soap should be made in the same way as a lather for shaving is made, and placed on the abdomen A big washing basin full will not be too much. Over the lather spread a piece of flannel. After the soap has disappeared wring out towels from cold water and vinegar, and place them down the spine and across the abdomen, and renew them continually as long as there is too much heat. There is much less danger when the heat is external than when it is wholly internal, though the discomfort is less. In such a case we would urge the more frequent cold injections, and the cold sitz bath. Two or three, or even more, may be necessary in one day, but care must be taken that the patient be well warmed after these baths by rubbing or other means With regard to the diet the rule is to give the patient little, and not to urge him to eat as long as he does not ask for it. Sips of cold water should be administered at short intervals, and when the patient is desirous of food nothing more nourishing can be given than oatmeal jelly. We cannot too

strongly urge upon mothers and other guardians of the sick the adoption of these methods, which certainly must plead guilty to the charge of “quackery,” if by that is meant that the drug system so long followed, and with such ill success, is ignored. Loving hearts have been touched by the anguish of poor suffering humanity, and in their desire to help have found truths which they would fain impart to all. A Stimulant. —Pure cayenne pepper is a powerful but valuable remedy. It should be used judiciously ; a small pinch in a tablespoonful of hot water will usuaT remove most violent pain. Don’t think that anything is good enough for the » boys, and that they don’t care for nice things. S Have their rooms fitted upas nicely as possible. \ Let them understand that their rooms are to be ( kept in order, and the resuit will justify the pains.