Cholera (^OSTRAS,)

CHOLERA ^OSTRAS, s. europaea, cholera, an old, obsolete term for designating a very acute catarrh of the gastrointestinal tract. Older clinicians (Sydenham, later Eichhorst) described under this name a special nosological form of disease, occurring epidemically or sporadically, symptomatically similar to Asian cholera, but more often associated with summer heat with predisposing factors in the form of dietary indiscretions (spoiled food, unripe fruits and vegetables, contaminated water, etc.). To this same group of diseases was also included infantile cholera (see Infantile Intoxication). Besides severe vomiting and abundant frequent stools (like water), specific features were considered: rapid onset of collapse and dehydration, as well as sometimes the appearance of convulsions, especially in the calf muscles. The duration of the acute period is 1-3 days. The fatal outcome occurs mainly in children, the elderly, and weakened individuals, but in any case, weakness and nutritional decline persist for a long time. Etiologically, this disease was associated with infection, and Finkler and Prior discovered in cases of Ch. n. bacilli similar to Koch's comma cholera vibrios, which, besides the clinical picture, suggested a relationship between these forms. Further research, both clinical and bacteriological, showed the untenability of the discovery of these authors. In differential diagnosis, it is necessary to consider Asian cholera, which is excluded epidemiologically and bacteriologically, acute poisoning from arsenic, corrosive sublimate, meat, fish, mushrooms, hellebore, etc. Prevention should be based on general sanitary measures and individual caution in food and drink during hot weather, while observing personal hygiene rules. Treatment coincides with therapy for acute gastroenteritis. For collapse, wine, camphor, adrenaline, and infusion of physiological solution are prescribed.