Pleurisy, Poisoning

Papers on Health
by John Kirk

(Page 17 of 20)

Pleurisy - The pleura is the tender double web, or membrane, which lines the inside of the chest on the one side and covers the lung, or rather encloses the lung with its other fold. Each of the two lungs has its pleura in which it works, and each side of the chest is lined by one side of this sensitive organ. The slender lining passes round the greater part of one whole side of the body with one-fold, and round the whole of the lung with the other. Let us suppose (which often takes place) that the front of the body is defended with what is called a "chest protector," but the sides and back are exposed to a chilling atmosphere.

Part of the pleura, and that part which is farthest from the surface, is sheltered, but the greater part of it, and that nearest the surface, has no such protection. In the case especially of women this is the state of things. It seems as if people thought that they only need to keep a few inches of the breast warm - that is keeping the chest all right - though the sides just under the arms, and the back under the shoulder-blades, are of far greater importance. The throat is even muffled, and a "respirator" worn, so that fresh air is not allowed to get inside the lungs, while the pleura is exposed to chill at the back. The consequence of this is that vital action is so abstracted from the pleura that the tension of its small vessels is relaxed, and blood is admitted as it is not intended it should be.

Severe pain is felt on one or both sides, and round under the shoulder-blade. A painful cough arises, and great fever is produced. In such a case the treatment is on the same principle as that given in Lungs, Inflammation of the, which should be read. The inflamed part must be cooled by applying towels well wrung out of cold water round the side, applying a fresh one when that on the part becomes warm. If the pain does not leave in half-an-hour of this treatment, or if the patient be weak to begin with, or if any chilliness is felt, pack the feet and legs in a large hot fomentation.

The cooling of the side may then go on safely until a curative effect is produced. We may not be able to give the theory of action of this treatment, but we know that in many cases it has perfectly and very speedily been successful, and that it leaves no bad results, as blistering and drugging are apt to do. We know of one case in which it took twenty-four hours' constant treatment to effect a cure. But it did effect it. Two friends took "shifts," and saw that all was thoroughly done. This will give an idea of the proper way to go about the matter.

Poisoning - The following are the antidotes and remedies for some of the more common forms of poisoning.

Alcohol. - The patient is quite helpless, and there is usually a strong smell of alcohol. If the patient is intoxicated at the time give an emetic. If there is evident prostration from a long bout, keep him quiet and warm. Hot tea not too strong may be given.

Alkalis (e.g., ammonia, soda or potash). - Give dilute vinegar, followed by white of egg.

Arsenic. - Emetic, followed by white of egg. Keep very warm.

Carbolic. - Readily identified by smell of tar or carbolic. Wash mouth well with oil. Give an emetic.

Chloral. - Emetic; warm coffee, and even an enema of coffee. Artificial respiration (See Drowning) may be necessary if breathing gets very low.

Chloroform or Ether (inhaled). - Fresh air. Pull tongue forward, and begin artificial respiration. If heart has stopped, strike chest two or three times over region of heart.

Chloroform or Ether (swallowed). - Emetic; enema of hot coffee; keep awake. If necessary, artificial respiration.

Copper. - Emetic, white of egg to follow.

Laudanum. - There is intense drowsiness and contraction of pupils of eye. Give an emetic and plenty of strong coffee. Walk patient up and down. On no account allow him to give way to the desire for sleep.

Mineral Acids and Glacial Acetic. - If any neutralizing agent, such, e.g., as lime, chalk, soda, or calcium magnesia, is at hand, give it at once. Or give an emetic, followed by oil or milk and water.

Mushrooms. - Emetic; castor oil and enema.

Nicotine (tobacco). - Emetic; stimulate and keep warm; keep patient lying down.

Oxalic Acid. - Neutralize by chalk or lime water, but not by soda or any alkali. Give plenty of water; apply hot fomentations to loins.

Phosphorus. - Often caused by children sucking matches. There is a burning in the throat, and often vomiting. Give an emetic. After this some barley water or milk may be given.

Prussic Acid. - Almost hopeless. Emetic; artificial respiration.

Snake Bite. - Suck the wound, and apply a drop or two of strong ammonia to the bite. Ammonia may be also inhaled. Artificial respiration often necessary.

Strychnine. - Emetic; keep quiet and darken the room. Chloral or bromide of potassium may be given. If spasms threaten respiration, artificial respiration is necessary.

Tartar Emetic or other Antimonial Poisons. - If vomiting is not present, induce it by an emetic. Give doses of strong tea. Keep very warm by hot blankets.

Good domestic emetics are a teaspoonful of mustard in a tumblerful of water, or a tablespoonful of salt in the same quantity of water.

Printed by Hurst Bros., Shaw Heath, Stockport. 1904.