[pg 094] Serious Nature of Colds.—That many cases of consumption have their beginning in severe colds (on the lungs) is not only a matter of popular belief, but the judgment also of physicians. Though the cold is a different affection from that of consumption, it may so lower the vitality of the body and weaken the lung surfaces that the germs of consumption find it easy to get a start. On this account a cold on the chest which does not disappear in a few days, but which persists, causing more or less coughing and pain in the lungs, must be given serious consideration.[37] The usual home remedies failing to give relief, a physician should be consulted. It should also be noted that certain diseases of a serious nature (pneumonia, diphtheria, measles, etc.) have in their beginning the appearance of colds. On this account it is wise not only to call a physician, but to call him early, in severe attacks of the lungs. Especially if the attack be attended by difficult breathing, fever, and a rapid pulse is the case serious and medical advice necessary.
Ventilation.—The process by which the air in a room is kept fresh and pure is known as ventilation. It is a[pg 095] double process—that of bringing fresh air into the room and that of getting rid of air that has been rendered impure by breathing [38] or by lamps. Outdoor air is usually of a different temperature (colder in winter, warmer in summer) from that indoors, and as a consequence differs from it slightly in weight. On account of this difference, suitable openings in the walls of buildings induce currents which pass between the rooms and the outside atmosphere even when there is no wind. In winter care must be taken to prevent drafts and to avoid too great a loss of heat from the room. A cold draft may even cause more harm to one in delicate health than the breathing of air which is impure. To ventilate a room successfully the problem of preventing drafts must be considered along with that of admitting the fresh air.
Fig. 46—Window adjusted for ventilation without drafts.
The method of ventilation must also be adapted to the construction of the building, the plan of heating, and the condition of the weather. Specific directions cannot be given, but the following suggestions will be found helpful in ventilating rooms where the air is not warmed before being admitted:
1. Introduce, the air through many small openings rather than a few large ones. If the windows are used for this purpose, raise the lower sash and drop the upper one slightly for several windows, varying the width to suit the conditions (Fig. 46). By this means sufficient air may be introduced without causing drafts.
2. Introduce the air at the warmest portions of the room.[pg 096] The air should, if possible, be warmed before reaching the occupants.
3. If the wind is blowing, ventilate principally on the sheltered side of the house.
Ample provision should be made for fresh air in sleeping rooms, and here again drafts must be avoided. Especially should the bed be so placed that strong air currents do not pass over the sleeper. In schoolhouses and halls for public gatherings the means for efficient ventilation should, if possible, be provided in the general plan of construction and method of heating.
