Drink all the water desired. At first the more one drinks the more
quickly the system cleanses itself. A glass of water every hour during
the day, or even every half hour is all right. The water may be warm or
cold, but it should not be ice-cold nor should it be hot. Both extremes
produce irritation.
In acute inflammation of the stomach, nothing should be given by mouth.
Small quantities of water may be given by rectum every two or three
hours. In appendicitis only very small quantities of water are to be
given by mouth at first, until the acute symptoms have subsided. Large
quantities of fluid may excite violent peristalsis with resulting pain.
In all eases of nausea, give nothing by mouth, not even water, until the
nausea is gone. Symptoms are nature's sign language, and when properly
interpreted they tell us what to do and what not to do.
Even though there be no thirst or desire for water, some should be
taken. If it can be taken by mouth give at least a glassful every two
hours, not necessarily all at once. Some are so sensitive that one-half
of a glass of water is all they can tolerate. If the stomach objects to
water, give it by rectum.
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