Incubation.—A week to ten days.
Treatment.—Isolate patient and if attack is severe put him in bed. Fresh air is the most essential element. If the cough is distressing, ipecacuanha wine and paregoric may be given. During convalescence the child should be watched carefully, as at this period bronchopneumonia and tuberculosis are apt to develop. Change of air is advisable. Tonics and cod-liver oil should be employed. The diet should be easily digestible, nourishing food. After each paroxysm and after the child has recovered from the exhaustion it produces give nourishment. There will be a partial if not complete absorption of the food before another attack. Duration of the disease from six to twelve weeks.
Colic.—Causes.—Constipation, indigestible foods, flatus, overfeeding, improper foods and exposure to cold.
Symptoms.—Child cries out very suddenly and sharply. There is a convulsive movement of the extremities, the hands are tightly closed, abdomen is tense.
Treatment.—Gentle pressure and massage with warm oil over the abdomen and a few doses of hot or peppermint water will expel the gas. Burnt brandy is good. The simple warm enema is a common remedy. Wrap warm flannels around the lower parts of the body and keep the hands warm.
Diarrhea.—Frequent loose evacuations without tenesmus.
Causes.—Impure water or food; irritating secretions poured into the bowels; bottled milk.
Diet should be restricted to cereal and albumin water. Flush the bowels very gently with warm water.
Dysentery.—Symptoms.—Fever, tenesmus and frequent small mucous, bloody stools. Treat as diarrhea. Keep child warm, especially about the abdomen.
Cholera Infantum (Summer Complaint).—Symptoms.—Fever, intense thirst, continuous vomiting, and purging of the bowels. Stools soon become watery and pale-green in color, and the child has all appearances of complete prostration.