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Delirium In Fever

Sources: Papers On Health

The best way of treating this truly distressing

symptom is by cooling and soothing applications to the head. We have

seen in one case large cool cloths applied to the head for some time

every three hours or so. An almost immediate cessation of the delirium

followed this application, and it only returned a few minutes before

the time for the next cooling. If the pulse becomes rather slow than

rapid, and the body rather
ool than hot, while delirium still

continues, then hot cloths may be applied to the head. When either hot

or cold appliances are removed, rub olive oil into the roots of the

hair, and dry off.



An excellent treatment is also to cover the whole head with soap

lather. See Head, Soaping.



It is to be noted that the state of the patient determines the

treatment. If he is hot, cold treatment is required. If he is cool or

chilly, then give the warm treatment. If he changes from hot to cold,

then alter the treatment accordingly.



In some diseases delirium occurs, not because of fever, but because of

poisonous elements in the blood supplied to the brain. This is the case

in liver and kidney troubles, when waste products are not got rid of by

these organs as they should be.



To get these organs to work, the best thing is to drink half a

teacupful of hot water every ten minutes for two hours at a time. Do

this once a day for two days. Probably it will cause purging, but that

is part of the cure. If the case does not yield in any way to this, a

large hot bran poultice should be placed over the whole of the right

side under the arm, from the spine right round to the breast-bone

(see Bran Poultice). This should be renewed if necessary, so as to

keep up the heat for an hour. Next day place a similar poultice over

all the lower part of the back, so as to help the kidneys and bowels.

Dry after these poultices, and rub gently with warm olive oil. The

delirium will usually yield to a few days of such treatment. We have

seen the reason under such treatment return with a rapidity that

astonished the medical attendant. He had given the patient three months

to gain what was complete in less than one. See Fever.



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