Page:Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.djvu/2128

1918 to check it at once. For this purpose a little chalk mixture may be given—half to 1 teaspoonful every 4 hours to a child two or three years old. This may be combined with a little opium, as follows: laudanum, 4 drops; tincture of catechu, 2 drachms; chalk mixture to make 2 ounces; 1 teaspoonful to be given every 4 hours.

Diphtheria.—This disease is characterized by sore throat and fever, which begins insidiously, and by enlargement and tenderness of the glands under the angle of the jaw. Examination of the throat will show the uvula red and swollen, and the tonsils much inflamed, with greyish patches of membrane on them. There may be croupous breathing, from the larynx being involved in the disease. Medical assistance must be called in immediately, as the recovery or death of the patient may be determined by the quickness with which treatment is applied.

Treatment consists in the injection of an antitoxin serum, painting of the throat with an antiseptic—lactic acid 1 part to 7 of water is a good application—and suitable stimulating medicines.

In view of the infectiousness of the disease, the patient must be isolated, a carbolized sheet being hung over the room door; a carbolic spray should be frequently used about the room, and the attendants must be careful not to inhale the patient's breath. As a precautionary measure, they may use an antiseptic gargle or mouthwash themselves, remembering that being careful does not argue being cowardly. A steam kettle is useful, in keeping the atmosphere of the room moist and warm.

Measles.—This is an infectious febrile disorder. It is nearly always more or less prevalent in this country; but at times it spreads with great rapidity, and sometimes causes death. As a rule, children and young people are attacked, but the general exemption of adults is probably due only to the fact that most of them have had the disease in childhood. Second attacks are not unknown.

Symptoms.—Before the appearance of the rash there are some precursory symptoms; the patient feels languid and hot, there is shivering, followed by a rise of temperature, a quick pulse, thirst, loss of appetite, and sickness. The eyes become red and watery, and give the patient the appearance of having cried; the membrane which lines the nose, throat, larynx and trachea is red and swollen, and pours forth a watery secretion; thus the affected person appears to have a severe cold, with running from the eyes and nose. There is generally much sneezing with a slightly sore throat and a dry, harsh cough. Convulsions occasionally occur in children. After these symptoms have lasted 3 or 4 days the rash appears. It begins in very small papules or minute red pimples, which rapidly multiply, and these run together into patches which have a tendency to a horse-shoe, or crescent, shape, while the portions of skin between are of a natural colour. Commencing on the face and neck, the blotches spread to the arms, then the trunk of the