Either one of the above remedies is excellent for this trouble, as the tannin and rosin contract the arteries and acts as an astringent.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Wind-pipe and Lungs.—In many cases the bleeding is slight and no more need be done than to keep the patient quiet and absolute rest. If the bleeding is free, the patient should be placed in bed, not allowed to speak above a whisper nor to change his position.
1. First Thing to Do.—Eating ice, and using ice drinks are useful measures. The drinking of a little salt water at a time with one tablespoonful of salt in a glassful of water is good. In most cases more can be done by assuring the patient he will not die and keeping him quiet and at rest. Medicines should be given to satisfy the patient and family. The most cases stop of themselves.
2. If Caused by Coughing.—If cough causes the bleeding one-half grain of opium should be given to control it, hypodermically, or even morphine one-eighth grain.
3. Alum for.—Alum solution six grains to three ounces of water in fine spray is good. This goes right to the wind-pipe and contracts the vessels; use a vaporizer.
4. White Oak Bark Tea can be used as a spray in a vaporizer. If these produce coughing, they should be discontinued.
[40 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
5. Hot Water and Salt for.—A teaspoonful of salt in a pint of hot water is good also, used as a spray, or to inhale. But the patient must lie down.
6. Other Easily Obtained Remedies.—Ergot in dose of one-half to one teaspoonful is very good; this contracts the vessels. Bromide of potash in a dose of five to fifteen grains; or chloral hydrate in dose of five to seven grains, if there is not heart trouble. If there is, chloral hydrate cannot be used. These quiet the nervous system and do much good. Strong hop tea will do the same thing if taken freely. Witch-hazel water thirty drops at a dose is good.
Cautions.—Quiet the patient; keep quiet yourself. If the bleeding is bad the extremities should be bandaged, beginning at the toes and fingers.