BACTERIA AND DISEASE 



393 



698. Curing consumption. In order to recover, con- 

 sumptives should be specially careful of the disposal of 

 their sputum, since by that means they avoid reinfecting 

 themselves with the bacteria. They should breathe pure 

 air at all times, day and night. The windows of the sleeping 

 rooms should be kept wide open. It is still better to sleep 

 in the open air, in 

 tents or on roofs or 

 piazzas. By using a 

 form of window tent 

 a patient can sleep 

 with his head in an 

 open window while 

 his body remains in 

 the warm room. 



There is a ground- 

 less fear that cold 

 air and the wind are 

 bad for consump- 

 tives. This is not true. Patients should be warmly clothed 

 and be protected -from the rain and from direct drafts 

 which cool the body unequally. Experience proves that 

 they do not take cold when observing these two precautions. 



A consumptive can be cared for as efficiently, as comfortably, and 

 as cheaply in his own home as in any other place. The air of high 

 mountains is of value mainly because its rarity compels deep breathing. 



Consumptives need an abundance of nourishing food. Meat, eggs, 

 milk, and fish should form a large part of the diet, because of their high 

 nutritive value and their ease of digestion. Consumptives should avoid 

 everything that interferes with their digestion. In all other things 

 they should lead a simple, quiet life according to well-known rules of 

 hygiene. 



By these means a large proportion of cases may be cured. It is well 



Window tent. 



