MEDICAL HINTS. 
171 
which always accompanies it. There is also a short, dry cough, without 
expectoration, which the patient tries to restrain, as it “ catches ” in the 
side, and causes acute pain. For the same reason the breathing is 
shallow, as any attempt to draw a deep breath causes extreme suffering. 
Treatment. —The patient suffers greatly, therefore in the early stages 
treatment must be directed to the pain. If leeches are procurable, the 
application of half-a-dozen to the painful region of the chest is advisable. 
Mustard leaves or poultices should be applied over the part, or it may be 
painted with tincture of iodine; opium may be given to relieve the acute 
pain, in the form of Dover’s powder, fifteen grains three times a day. 
Five grains of quinine should be given twice a day. 
Pneumonia , or inflammation of the lungs. 
Symptoms. —This usually begins with a severe attack of shivering; the 
temperature rises rapidly, the pulse and breathing are greatly quickened, 
and the patient is completely prostrated. The face is flushed, the skin 
feels hot and dry, and there is a short cough, dry at first, but afterwards 
accompanied by expectoration of a moderate quantity of slimy, rust- 
coloured, blood-stained, and almost frothless matter. Usually there is 
pain on the affected side, which in most cases is the right side of the 
chest, above the liver. 
Treatment .—A patient attacked with pneumonia should take to bed at 
once. The affected side should be surrounded with a large poultice. 
Five grains of quinine should be given every eight hours. If the heart’s 
action is weak, give some preparation of ammonia, as a stimulant, and 
administer alcohol, up to half an ounce, every two hours. Opium should 
only be given to calm the patient, as large doses do harm by checking 
free expectoration ; if there is much distress, then ten or fifteen grains of 
Dover’s powder may be given. 
An ice poultice applied to the chest will give great relief by lowering 
the temperature and diminishing the pain (see page 248). 
Constipation . 
This condition is very frequent in tropical climates, where it is associ¬ 
ated with sluggishness of the livfer. One of the best remedies is the two- 
