Cholera.
To check the premonitory diarrhœa or purging, give the Alum Powders (26), or Alum with Infusion of Sweet Flag (12), or Omum Water (319); should these not succeed in checking it, try a few of the Compound Pepper Pills (299), but it is unadvisable to continue them long on account of the large proportion of Opium which they contain (285). One of the most useful forms of Cholera Pills, which should be commenced at the earlier stages when the purging sets in, is composed of 24 grains of Acetate of Lead, and two grains of Opium, made into a mass with a few drops of Honey, and divided into eight pills. Of these one may be given every hour or half-hour, according to the urgency of the symptoms, till the whole eight have been taken; but this number should not be exceeded, in consequence of the quantity of Opium they contain. Each pill may be taken in a wineglassful of Omum Water. Should the disease progress, Dr. Ayre's plan of treatment (285*), if the ingredients are at hand, should be pursued, together with the persevering use of Lemon Grass Oil (216) and Omum Water (318), for the purpose of checking the vomiting and stimulating the system. For the latter purpose also give an ounce (two table-spoonfuls) of the Brandy Mixture (426) every half-hour or oftener, unless Champagne or other sparkling wine is available, this being decidedly the best form of stimulant in these cases—only it must be given in moderation at stated periods; more harm than good is done by over-stimulation. The patient should be encouraged to drink plentifully of cold water, iced if possible; though the first draught or two may be rejected, it will soon be retained if persevered in. Chicken Broth, or Lime Water and Milk, may also be given plentifully as a drink. The other accessories to the above are Mustard Poultices (251) or Turpentine Stupes (363) over the heart (left side of the chest), bags of hot sand or salt to the spine, feet, and legs, and diligent friction with the hand or hot towels. At the same time the patient should not be moved about more than can be possibly helped.—N.B. During an epidemic of Cholera impress upon everybody the necessity of applying for medicines directly they feel unwell or have the slightest purging; those who come thus early for treatment stand a much better chance of recovery than those who delay even a few hours. Here time is of the most vital importance.
Chorea, St. Vitus's Dance.
Fish Liver Oil (141), Infusion of Jatamansi (184), and Sulphate of Iron (177), alone or in combination, according to circumstances, are worthy of a trial. N.B.—This, as well as other nervous affections, is often due to intestinal worms: attention should therefore be paid to this point. (See Convulsions.)
Cocculus Indicus, Poisoning by.
Having emptied the stomach by an emetic of Sulphate of Copper (117) or Mustard (246), give copious draughts of Decoction of Galls (152), followed by a full dose of Castor Oil to carry off any of the poison which may have passed into the intestines. Brandy or other stimulants are required should there be great depression or exhaustion.
Colds
See Catarrhs.
Colic in Adults.
To be treated in a manner described in Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels. The Colic of Children, usually connected with flatulence, generally yields to Omum Water (318*), Infusion of Dill (134), with or without Asafœtida (36), and a Hot Bath (387), followed by a dose of Castor Oil.