In eases where the breathing is very superficial, with beginning of carbonic acid poisoning, cold irrigations during a warm bath act benefi cially by increasing the depth of the respiratory movements.
The patient receives a bath of from 2S° to 30° R. (9S°-100° F.) three or four times daily, during which the skin is vigorously rubbed until it becomes red, and at intervals of about twenty seconds a stream of cold water (usually, from a small sprinkling can) is poured down the nape of the neck for five or ten seconds. A heart stimulant is to be given just before the irrigation. Where there is marked prostration the cold irrigation had better be omitted on account of the danger of col lapse. Slapping the back vigorously with cold wet cloths stimu lates the respiration.
Inhalations of oxy gen are useful in cases of severe dyspncra soon as the cyanosis indicates the decarboni zation of the blood is insufficient. They are especially recom mended by Hagenbach Burckhardt, and when used freely and fre quently' give very good results as long as many bronchioles are still patent and no extensive bronchopneumonia is present; that is, if the cyanosis is dependent principally on a stenosis of the air-passages (bronchiolitis) and not on an encroachment of the respiratory surface. The patient is simply allowed to inhale the oxygen through a glass funnel loosely placed over the nose and mouth (see Fig. SO).
Good results are reported from venesection in some cases of high grade cyanosis with sufficient strength. About one tenth of the total quantity of blood or about one one-hundred-and-thirtieth of the body's weight of blood is removed (Heubner).
Stimulants should be given early. Beef tea, bouillon, tea, and coffee, as an addition to milk, are to be considered first. A stimulant should always be given before the application of the cold packs, baths, and especially before cold irrigations. In mild cases these dietetic stimulants are sufficient. One should be cautious regarding the use of alcohol. Caffeine is more to be recommended in cases of weakening pulse (Caffeine natrobenzoic Gm.:100.0 c.c, (2-15 gr. to 3i oz.) 5 Gm. (lt dr.) 3-6 times daily in sugar water). in protracted illness, digitalis often acts well (very convenient in the form of digitaline Homolle et Quevenne, 1 granule a day).
In cases of increasing weakness, camphor and caffeine are given sub cutaneously. Koplik recommends a daily rectal injection of warm nor mal salt solution as beneficial to the heart's action; likewise, normal salt solution may be injected subcutaneously. Strychnine is much praised by English and French physicians.
During convalescence the patients may he taken out of doors during the summer after the disappearance of the fever, even if some slight signs of consolidation are still present. As a tonic, quinine and in cases of marked anafinia iron (bioferrin) and in rachitis phosphorus are useful. Later removal to the country is excellent. As an after-cure the sea-shore or mountains are to be recommended, and in cases of remain ing catarrhal conditions, a .sojourn during the winter in a warmer climate.