94 THE VITAL PROCESSES 



Serious Nature of Colds. That many cases of consump- 

 tion 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 affec- 

 tion 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. 1 The 

 usual home remedies failing to give relief, a physician 

 should be consulted. It should also be noted that cer- 

 tain 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 phy- 

 sician, 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 



downward and outward in a large circle to the starting point. Begin to inhale as 

 the arms are raised and take in as much air as possible by the time the hands 

 are above the head, then allow the breath to go out slowly as the arms descend." 



1 Colds may frequently be broken up at their beginning by taking a prolonged 

 hot bath and going to bed. After getting a start, however, they run a course of a 

 few days, a week, or longer, depending upon the natural vigor of the individual and 

 the care which he gives his body during the time. In throwing off a cold, the 

 following suggestions will be found helpful : 



i. Dress warmly (without overdoing it) and avoid getting chilled. 2. Diminish 

 the usual amount of work and increase the period for sleep. If very weak, stay in 

 bed. Save the energy for throwing off the cold. 3. If able to be about, spend con- 

 siderable time in light exercise out of doors, but avoid getting chilled. 4. Keep 

 the bowels active, taking a cathartic if necessary. 5. To relieve pain in the chest, 

 apply a mustard plaster or a flannel cloth moistened with some irritating substance, 

 such as turpentine or a mixture of equal parts of kerosene and lard. Keep up a 

 mild irritation until the pain is relieved, but avoid blistering. 



