CONSUMPTION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1920, Page 3

CONSUMPTION

IIUW TO PREVENT I’J

A USE PUL PAMPHLET

Since the war the term, “ T. 15.” its applied to returned soldiers lias frequently appeared in print, but many people seem to be unaware that it is oil abbreviation of the words “tubercular baceilli,” and when used in connection with returned soldier matters means that it has. reference to those men who are suffering from consumption in one or other of its

StllgCS. Dr O'. J. ltlackmore, medical superintendent of the North Canterbury Sanatorium lias evinced a g cat interest in “ TiH.” eases among returned soldiers, and, being a specialist in tubercular troubles, a pamphlet he has prepared on “ Consumption—Mow to Prevent It,” is of especial value. Pointing out that the cause of consumption is a germ, Dr Blackmoro states that the disease is not inherited, and the germ may attack any part of the body, but is found most commonly in the lungs. This germ is the sole cause of consumption, and can gain entrance tc tlie body by being inhaled in the form of dust, from contaminated hands, or articles placed on the mouth, by kissing a consumptive persons on the mouth, and hv drinking milk from tuberculosis cows. li<)W THE GERMS ARE SCATTERED The germs are scattered by hoots and shoes (through sputum adhering to them), bv skirts, by dusty air( especially indoors), by coughing with uncovered mouth, by soiled handkerchiefs, by public drinking cups, by Hies. ” The germ of consumption cannot live in the perfectly healthy body,” says Dr Blackmore, “ and some of the things which weaken the body and enable the germ to gain a foothold are:—(l) hiving and woiking in badly ventilated places; (2) inhaling irritating particles or fumes; (3) over-fatigue; (4) over-indulgence in alcohol; Co) unwholesome or insufficient food; <(>) decayed teeth; (7) weakening diseases. Sunlight and fresh air kill the germs of consumption in a very short time, but they can live for months in dark, damp, badly ventilated places. Consumption is not a highly infectious disease. It is not contracted by casual contact with a consumptive person, nor is. it carried through the air from person to person. To treat a consumptive person like a leper—if that person is taking precautions—is unjustifiable cruelty. If all the sputum of consumptive persons were destroyed before it became dry the chief source of consumption would be abolished. To avoid contracting the disease : (1) Live, work, and sleep in pure fresh air; (2) keep the windows open night and day; f :h take good food and reasonable,exercise; (4> have decayed teeth at,tended to; (5) be temperate; t(>) wash the bands before meals; (7) breathe through the nose-. The nose is capable of destroying genus of all kinds ; (8) see that flics do not gain access to the food and drink; (9) do not sleep in the same room with a consumptive person ; /10) do not live, in a house wlijclf has been occupied by a consumptive uie til the house lias been thoroughly disinfected.

SIMPLE PRECAUTION'S, “ No consumptive need be q danger to otltpr persons if these simple precautions are observed: A consumptive per*, son (!) should not spit anywhere excepting into a spitting cup or flash; (2) should not cough in the direction of another person or over food; (3) should not kiss anyone—especially a child, on the mouth ; (4) should sleep alone, and, if possible, in a separate room or out of doors ; (5) should never sleep in the same room with a child; (11) should use separate, table utensils; (7) should not allow rooms he occupies to he dry swept of dusted ; (H) should have his bedding put out in the sun frequently; (9) should keep Ids room thoroughly ventilated by night and day, so that they may not become infected and a danger to others The dost in public houses, schools, public buildings, the churches, theatre, etc., and railway waiting-rooms, has frequently been found to contain, the living germs of consumption. Such places should never he cleaned l>y dry sweeping and dry dusting. In sweeping the floors a damp broom may be used as stated above, or sawdust damped with a disinfectant should lie spread on the floor be-

lore sweeping. “ DELAY 18 DANGEROUS. 1 ’ •‘Consumption js curable in most eases if treated early. It may be arrested in the more advanced condition, but, every day’s delay in beginning treatinei.it lessens the chance of recovery. 'J’he early symptoms are often very indefinite. The following symptoms may point to the commencement of consumption:—Cough, however slight, if persistent, and especially morning cough; spitting of blood, whatever the amount or supposed source; loss of flesh; shortness of breath in slight exertion; pain in the (.best or side, if persistent; loss of energy, becoming easily tired, feeling ‘ ‘run down ”, : loss of appetite, especially in the morning; anaemia, bloodlessness, Imskiness, it persistent. Any person with one or more of these symptoms should have the chest examined by a doctor, especially if there is consumption in the family or among fellow workers. If you have even the earliest signs of consumption it is better to know it at once. Delay is dangerous.