Midsummer Ills.

During the hot weather “summer sickness” is often very prevalent amongst both children and adults. It is usually caused by the taking of unsuitable food, such as food in a state of partial decomposition, food that has been contaminated by germs deposited on it by flies and dust, and the eating of unripe fruit. Infection may also be due to drinking impure water.

The symptoms of summer sickness include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature and, in some cases, collapse. In children the attacks of diarrhoea are often associated with green motions.

The onset is often sudden. The treatment is to put the patient to bed, and keep him warm and quiet. Withhold all food, giving only drinks of boiled water.

In mild cases vomiting often terminates the attack, and the condition clears up in a short time. This is usually followed by headache, furred tongue and dry mouth. A dose of castor oil or other suitable laxative may be given. Following even mild attacks, food is limited for some days. Boiled water for a while, then barley water, water arrowroot, or Benger's Food are suitable. Gradually increase to a little steamed fish, chicken, etc., with thin bread and butter. Withhold all raw fruit and vegetables for a time.

If the irritating and infected material is passed on into the bowel, and diarrhoea results, a doctor should be sent for immediately. Delays are often dangerous and prompt treatment is always indicated.

Infantile diarrhoea is usually induced by milk which becomes loaded with bacteria, or by utensils used for the preparation of food having become contaminated by germs. Bottles and utensils should be kept scrupulously clean.

They should be thoroughly rinsed in cold water immediately after use. Then wash them in hot water and soda and scrub with a brush kept for the purpose. Rinse well, and turn upside down, and cover to prevent particles of dust contaminating them. Bottles should be thoroughly cleansed and boiled after use.

Care should be taken that all food is perfectly fresh, and all utensils used (and also the surroundings) should be beyond reproach.

Prickly Heat or Heat Rash.

This may be caused by sudden exposure to sun, wind or sea-air, or a change of diet. Relieve by applications of Calamine Lotion (which may be obtained from any chemist) or solution of bi-carbonate of soda. Small doses of Milk of Magnesia are efficacious.

Sunstroke or Heat Stroke.

Quiet and cool and darkened room are essential. Use packs wrung out of cold water to which a little vinegar or eau-de-cologne has been added. Add ice to the water if it is obtainable.

Apply packs to the head, nape of the neck and spine. Renew them as they become warm.

Sunburn.

If severe, and blistering results, apply oil and exclude the air if possible. Use carron oil (equal parts lime water and linseed oil) or olive oil. Applications of bi-carbonate of soda are also efficacious. The irritation of a sunburned skin may be relieved by applications of olive oil or a good cold cream.

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