ASIATIC CHOLERA
This disease is caused by the presence of a microbe, known as the
"comma bacillus," which manufactures a virulent poison, called a
ptomaine. Although the germs are taken into the system through the
medium of the mouth and stomach, they only multiply in the bowels,
which is proved by the fact that the vomit from a cholera patient
contains none, while the discharges from the bowels abound with them.
If the system is in perfect condition the germs are destroyed by the
gastric juice in the stomach as soon as inhaled. If the stomach is out
of order the bacilli escape into the intestines, where the fluids are
alkaline (in which they thrive) and cholera is the result. The
symptoms are, first a slight diarrhcea, almost painless, then tremors,
vertigo and nausea. Griping pains and repressed circulation follow,
then copious purging of the intestines, followed by discharges of a
thin watery fluid, lividity of the lips, cold breath and an
unquenchable thirst.
TREATMENT.
First flush the colon thoroughly with warm water every few hours. Next
induce perspiration by means of the Turkish bath, but if the case has
set in violently, and vomiting and cramps appear, use the "Cascade"
promptly, and get the patient into bed as quickly as possible.
Then take two heavy sheets, dip them in water as hot as can be borne, fold
them and lay them over the chest and abdomen and cover up with
blankets, tucking them in closely at the sides. Put a jug of hot water
to the feet. In about ten minutes redip the sheets quickly and
reapply.
In fifteen or twenty minutes the perspiration will appear and
the cramps will vanish. Take nothing into the stomach during the
duration of the disease except moderate sips of cold water or pieces
of ice, to quench the burning thirst.
Use simple strengthening food (milk is best) until health is restored.
All water should be boiled before using.
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