Secondly, hoarseness may arise from exposure to cold, damp air. In this case it is best to apply mild heat to the roots of the nerves which supply the voice organs. This is best done by applying a bran poultice to the back of the neck, oiling before and after with olive oil. Carefully dry the skin, and wear a piece of new flannel, for a time, over the part poulticed. This may be supplemented by brushing as above with the vinegar.
Thirdly, failure of skin action, or of the proper action of other waste-removing organs, may be the cause of hoarseness. In addition to the treatment recommended above, we must in this case stimulate the skin: this is best done by rubbing with Cayenne "Tea" (see) all over the body at bedtime. Let this be done for four or five nights, and the throat treatment be given in the morning, when a cure may be looked for. See Underwear.
Hooping Cough.—See Whooping Cough.
Hope and Healing.—The mind has always an influence on the body. Life rises and falls under the influences of ideas, so as to prove that these are a matter of life and death to man. To give an invalid hope is, then, to help mightily in healing the disease, whereas to tell patients that they are incurable is the sure way to make them so. But there is, on the other hand, little good in falsehood and false hope: this has often been found to fail and leave the patient in complete despair. No one can tell the immense power for healing which is exerted when one who truly hopes for the patient looks brightly into his eyes, and speaks with a genuine ring of hope of the possibility of cure. So many cases found incurable by the usual treatment have yielded to that recommended in these papers, that in almost all cases we may see some ground for hope, if not of cure, at least of great alleviation. To give this impression to a patient is to half win the battle.
There are many who speak most carelessly, even wickedly, to those in trouble. They think it a duty to dash their hopes and predict gloomy things. Such should never enter a sick-room, and should, indeed, change entirely their manner of speech. To go about the world sowing doubt and gloom in men's hearts is a sorry occupation, and one that will have to be accounted for to Him who is emphatically the "God of hope."
Look, then, in treatment for every least sign of improvement. Discourage all doubts and encourage all hopes, and you will make what would be a really hopeless case, if the patient were left to despair, one that can be comparatively easily cured. "A word to the wise is enough."
Hot Flushings.—See Flushings.
Hot-water Bags.—The flat rubber bags of various shapes, to be had from all rubber shops, make excellent substitutes for poultice or fomentation; but care must be taken to have two or more ply of moist flannel between the bag and the skin of the patient. This ensures a supply of moist heat, which is in almost every case the best.
Housemaid's Knee.—To cure a swelling on the knee-joint is, as a rule, easy. Rest is a first and paramount necessity. Bathing with hot water, not too hot for comfort, for at least an hour each day is usually sufficient. If the knee has been blistered, or leeched, it is more difficult to cure; but a cure may be expected if the bathing be continued for a long enough time. It is best done by wrapping a cloth dipped in vinegar round the knee, and placing the foot in a bath, then pouring hot water on the bandaged knee, lifting it from the bath in a jug.
When pain in bending is felt in the very centre of the knee-joint, this hot pouring may be needed for a month, or even longer. During the intervals of pouring a large cold compress should be worn, first well oiling the knee. Cover the compress with oiled silk. This will soften even a very stiff knee, so as at least to bring about ability to bend without pain. Of course, if there is any disjointing, good surgical aid must be had, if possible, to replace the bones in their natural position.