Cholera infantum is due to overfeeding, or the use of inferior milk, or
both. It is a form of milk poisoning, in which the bowels are very
irritable. As a matter of self-protection they throw out a large
quantity of serum, which soon depletes the system of the poor little
sufferer, and death too often claims another young life. If cholera
infantum makes its appearance the baby is given its best chance to live
if feeding is stopped immediately, warm water given whenever desired,
but not too large quantities at a time. Give no cathartics, for they
irritate an already seriously disturbed mucous membrane, but give a
small enema of blood-warm water once or twice a day. Keep the baby
comfortable, seeing that the feet and abdomen are kept warm, but give
plenty of fresh air. Medicines only aggravate a malady that is already
serious enough. This disease is produced by abuse so grave that in spite
of the best nursing, the baby often dies. It is easily prevented.
Strong babies with great digestive power are often able to digest and
assimilate enormous quantities of milk, several quarts a day. They can
not use all this food. If they could their size would be enormous within
a short time.
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