Insect Bites and Stings.
—The sting, if still in the wound, should first be removed, and then ammonia should be applied, since the poison is generally acid. Applications of cold water, alcohol and water, or wet salt may relieve the subsequent burning and itching, but ammonia is generally most effective.
Ivy poisoning
may be treated by applying cloths wet in a strong solution of baking soda or of boracic acid, or by applications of carbolized vaseline or ichthyol. Severe cases should have medical attention. Scratching and rubbing seem to spread the inflammation, and special care should be taken not to rub the face or eyes with infected hands. Susceptible people should avoid the plant if possible.
OTHER EMERGENCIES
Chills
may be the result of infection or of exposure to cold. An early diagnosis of the trouble is so desirable that it is well to send for a doctor even when symptoms are not severe. If a person has a chill his temperature should be taken at once; fever and chill together probably indicate
invasion by bacteria. When chills follow exposure to cold the patient should go to bed between warm blankets, his body should be briskly rubbed, and hot water bags and a hot drink should be given. If he prefers, he may take a hot bath before going to bed.
Croup
is caused by a spasmodic closure of the larynx so that breathing is impeded. The child who develops croup may have a slight cold, but frequently shows no symptoms until he wakes in the night with a hoarse ringing cough and difficult breathing. True croup, though often distressing, is seldom serious, even when the symptoms are so severe that the child appears to be partly suffocated. An emetic should be given at once, preferably syrup of ipecac, one teaspoonful followed by warm water, or ten drops every 15 minutes until the child vomits freely. Hot fomentations may be applied to the throat and chest in order to hasten relaxation of the muscular spasm, and water should be kept boiling near the bed in a teakettle or uncovered saucepan. The child should stay in a warm room during the following day.