91. PUTRID SYMPTOMS—GARGLE—SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF SODA—DRINK: CHLORATE OF POTASS—LIQUOR CALCII-CHLORIDI.
Should putrid symptoms make their appearance (21), I would strongly advise the acid in full and repeated doses, as well as the frequent repetition of the packs. In putrid cases, not only the syrup, but also the gargle will do good service. Gargling is so much the more advisable as the putrid matter should be frequently removed. If nothing else can be had, pure water or water and vinegar may be used. The temperature of the gargle should be about 70°-75° Fahrenheit. For the same purpose, the aqua chlorina, and the chloride of soda have been strongly recommended.[34] A few drops of the solution may be used, also, on the compress outside.
92. TREATMENT OF AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS CENTRES.
In affections of the nervous centres, the brain, the cerebellum, and the spine (see 17-19), the danger which threatens the patient's life is principally averted by the sitz-bath. The nervous system needs support, and the circulation must be regulated. In every case where the packs do not relieve the symptoms in the head and spine, the sitz-bath is probably the only remedy to remove the danger. It should be about 70°, and the patient should stay in it till relieved, which will probably be in half an hour or there about. After the sitz-bath, if the patient feels quite easy and inclined to sleep, he may be put to bed; if he continues restless and still complains of pain, he should be put in a wet pack of about 65°. There he should stay till he complains of more pain, when he should take his bath and repeat the sitz-bath. Thus he should alternate till he becomes entirely relieved.
93. SITZ-BATH, ANCHOR OF SAFETY.
If there be much delirium, the sitz-bath may be required longer, and the pack shorter, as indicated above (81). In all such cases the packs and sitz-baths, alternately, ought to be continued, till the nervous symptoms disappear altogether, and should they make their appearance again, the treatment must be resumed without delay.
94. I repeat that in such cases, the sitz-bath is the only anchor of safety I know of. I have tried to remove these dangerous symptoms by packs, affusions, baths, but almost always in vain; whilst the sitz-bath has never failed to insure success. As I am the only writer on hydriatic treatment of scarlatina (as far as I know), who mentions the virtue of the sitz-bath in those cases, and as I am probably the first who ventured to use it, with one of my own children, in 1836, when all seemed to fail, I shall corroborate my advice by a couple of cases.