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HINTS TO TRAVELLERS. 
grain tabloid of cascara, of which one may be taken three times a day. 
In addition to this, an occasional dose of a saline purge should be used, 
or a large enema of soap and water may be given. Five grains of blue 
pill or three grains of calomel will be found to act as a very efficient 
aperient, especially if followed in about six hours by a saline such as 
fruit salt. Castor oil in ounce doses is also a valuable remedy. 
As a rule, the general health of people suffering from simple constipa¬ 
tion is not seriously affected. 
In most acute diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, etc., if constipation 
is present, it should be treated at once by means of suitable aperients. 
Note .—In peritonitis, i.e., inflammation of the bowels, hernia, and in 
some cases of typhoid, constipation is a leading symptom, and is accom¬ 
panied by severe pain in the belly. On no account should an aperient be 
given by the mouth in these cases. If it is necessary to clear the bowels, 
this should be done by means of an enema. 
Colic. 
This is the name given to the well-known severe twisting or griping 
pains in the belly, usually due to excessive flatulence, and resulting from 
constipation, or some error of diet. 
Treatment .—Hot fomentations should be applied to the belly, and a 
turpentine enema (a tablespoonful to a pint of warm water) will nearly 
always cut short the symptoms; in the absence of turpentine, give warm 
water alone. A full dose of opium (20 minims) should also be given 
if the pain is severe, preferably in one ounce of castor oil. 
Bicarbonate of soda, carbonate of ammonia and ginger should be freely 
given in full doses, and the bowels should be well opened as soon as the 
severe pain has passed off. 
Diarrhoea . 
Diarrhoea, or looseness of the bowels, is usually due to the presence of 
some irritant in the bowels, such as bad food, unripe fruit, or other 
poisonous material. 
Treatment .—Begin the treatment by administering castor oil, fruit salt, 
cascara, or other mild aperient, to clear out the cause of the diarrhoea. 
A warm-water enema of about a pint is useful. 
