SUNSTROKE. Heat Stroke, Thermic (heat) Fever

Categories: Intoxicants and Sun Strokes

This occurs in persons
chiefly who, while working very hard are exposed to the sun. Soldiers who

are marching with their heavy accoutrements are very liable to be

attacked. In large cities the most of the cases are confined to workmen

who are much exposed and at the same time, have been drinking beer and

whisky.



Symptoms. The patient may be struck down and die very soon with symptoms

of failure of t e heart, difficult breathing and coma. This kind is most

frequent in soldiers. In ordinary cases there may be failure to perspire,

premonitory headache, dizziness, sometimes nausea and vomiting, colored or

poor sight (vision); insensibility follows, which may be temporary or

increased deep coma. The face is flushed, the skin is dry and hot, the

pupils are temporarily dilated, then usually greatly contracted, the pulse

is rapid and full, and the temperature ranges from 107 to 110 degrees or

higher. The breathing is deep, labored and snoring (stortorous). Usually

there is complete muscular relaxation, with twitchings, jerkings, or very

rarely convulsions may occur. In fatal cases, coma (deep sleep) deepens,

the pulse becomes more frequent and feeble, the breathing becomes more

hurried, shallow and irregular and death may occur within twenty-four to

thirty-six hours. In others, the consciousness returns, the temperature

falls, the pulse and breathing become normal and recovery may be complete

or leave bad results. The patient may be predisposed to future attacks or

suffer from weakness or headache, and disturbance of the mind when ever

the weather is warm.






Prognosis. The death rate is higher when treatment is delayed, and when

alcohol has been used as a beverage.



MOTHER'S REMEDY. Sunstroke, Quick Method to Relieve. "Apply alternately

hot and cold applications to forehead and base of the brain or back of the

neck, place the feet in warm mustard water, and apply mustard to the

stomach and calves of legs. This remedy was tried by my brother's wife,

who is a trained nurse. She says it is very effective," The hot and cold

applications help to draw the blood from the brain. Placing feet in warm

mustard water will help to give relief.



Treatment. Avoid exposure and alcohol. For a mild case--Rest in a cool

place, cool sponging, aromatic spirits ammonia or strychnine if needed for

the prostration.



For severe cases. The temperature must be reduced as rapidly as possible.

Pack the patient in a bath of ice. Rubbing the body with ice is an

excellent procedure to lower the temperature rapidly. Ice water enemata

(injections in bowel) may also be employed. If ice cannot be obtained

strip the patient and sprinkle him with water until the temperature is

reduced. Use a thermometer to see it does not go too low. Ice cap or cold

water to the head. Keep working for hours.



Medicine. Glonoin, 1/100 to 1/200 grain is of help in severe cases.