SUMMARY
Intestinal Disturbances are accountable for the majority of the fevers of short duration during infancy and childhood, and in many of those cases in adults.
Malaria causes an elevation of temperature which is, as a rule, of short duration.
Contagious Diseases, such as scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough, and mumps, are likewise accompanied by more or less elevation of temperature.
Treatment consists of a period of rest in bed, with an abstinence from food, in order that the disease may manifest itself, and also that any offending food material which may cause the fever may have an opportunity to pass out of the body.
The Heart, in some of the diseases accompanied by an elevation of temperature, is more or less strained; this is particularly true in tonsillitis, diphtheria, etc.
The Kidneys are likewise taxed in certain diseases, even when the fever is not great or lasting; this is found to be the case in scarlet fever, tonsillitis, etc.
Dietetic Treatment consists in giving no food for a period lasting from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This is followed by a liquid diet, milk and broth particularly, which is continued as long as the fever remains.
Convalescent Diet is instituted as soon as the fever has disappeared and acute symptoms subside.
Thirst is apt to be great with any elevation of temperature. It is relieved by water, crushed ice, and fruit beverages.
The Mouth requires much care, even in fevers of short duration. A simple antiseptic wash should be used several times each day.
Nitrogen Equilibrium is not sufficiently disturbed in such cases to require taking into account. Should the disease, however, develop into one causing a material breaking down of the body tissues, measures must be instituted to prevent the upsetting of the nitrogen balance in the body.