MEDICINE.——The measles being an inflammatory disease, without any critical discharge of matter, as in the small-pox, bleeding is commonly necessary, especially when the fever runs high, with difficulty of breathing, and great oppression of the breast. But if the disease be of a mild kind, bleeding may be omitted[[97]].
Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm water both tends to abate the violence of the fever, and to promote the eruption.
The patient is often greatly relieved by vomiting. When there is a tendency this way, it ought to be promoted by drinking lukewarm water, or weak camomile-tea.
When the cough is very troublesome, with dryness of the throat, and difficulty of breathing, the patient may hold his head over the steam of warm water, and draw the steam into his lungs.
He may likewise lick a little sperma-ceti and sugar-candy pounded together; or take now and then a spoonful of the oil of sweet almonds, with sugar-candy dissolved in it. These will soften the throat, and relieve the tickling cough.
If at the turn of the disease the fever assumes new vigour, and there appears great danger of suffocation, the patient must be bled according to his strength, and blistering-plasters applied, with a view to prevent the load from being thrown on the lungs, where if an inflammation should fix itself, the patient’s life will be in imminent danger.
In case the measles should suddenly disappear, it will be necessary to pursue the same method which we have recommended when the small-pox recede. The patient must be supported with wine and cordials. Blistering-plasters must be applied to the legs and arms, and the body rubbed all over with warm flannels. Warm poultices may likewise be applied to the feet and palms of the hands.
When purple or black spots appear, the patient’s drink should be sharpened with spirits of vitriol; and if the putrid symptoms increase, the Peruvian bark must be administered in the same manner as directed in the small-pox.
Opiates are sometimes necessary, but should never be given except in cases of extreme restlessness, a violent looseness, or when the cough is very troublesome. For children, the syrup of poppies is sufficient. A tea-spoonful or two may be occasionally given, according to the patient’s age, or the violence of the symptoms.
After the measles are gone off, the patient ought to be purged. This may be conducted in the same manner as directed in the small-pox.