Children In Fever
Sources:
Papers On Health
Fevered children, whether in any actual fever, as
scarlet, typhoid, or any other, or merely heated from some minor
ailment, should be treated as under Fever. Have two small towels, wring
them tightly out of cold water, fold one gently round the head. Press
it gently all round and over the head. It will be heated in one minute
in some cases, longer in others. Change it for the other then, and
proceed alternately till th
head is cooled. Perhaps that may take
half-an-hour. The time will be less for a young infant, more for a boy
or girl in their teens. Common sense, and an examination of the pulse,
will guide as to the proper time. The head is the chief consideration
in this treatment, but attention to the state of the stomach and bowels
is also very important. Any indigestible substance must be removed, and
sips or small drinks of hot water will greatly help in this, as well as
proper medicine. Castor oil is a good, simple drug for ordinary cases.
If there is coldness in the feet in such fevered cases, a fomentation
may be applied over the legs, or even up to the haunches. This will
greatly reinforce the cooling of the head, and prevent any possible
chill. The water used for cooling should be about 50 deg. F., or at
least near that temperature, in the case of infants. Water which has
stood some time in an ordinary room will do excellently. It should
neither be icy nor warm. Typhoid fever itself has been cured with this
head cooling alone.