A slight haemoptysis, nothing more than a discoloration of the sputum, is probably the result of some local congestion, and does not call for any change in the dietetic required. If, however, after a day or so extra rest, the discoloration continues or increases, the indication is to reduce the blood-pressure. This is best done by restricting the amount of fluid taken. Cut off the milk-supply to 1 pint, and give no tea, coffee, or cocoa, no soups, and for a few days reduce slightly the amount of solid food.

With a severe haemoptysis, due to the rupture of a pulmonary aneurism or the ulceration of a blood-vessel, the blood-pressure should be reduced and maintained at a low level for some days after the bleeding has ceased. The amount of fluid given in the first twenty-four hours should be the minimum, 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls at a time, and not very often - more to allay the thirst than act as a food. The milk may be iced and the mouth washed out with iced water, or lumps of ice given to suck. Half-teaspoonfuls of very hot water are a good thirst-quencher. If the blood-pressure is being treated by free purgation with salts, the patient will probably suffer severely from thirst. On the second day the milk may be augmented by the addition of teaspoonfuls of beef juice in a little milk or water, and the quantity of milk may be 1 pint in the twenty-four hours.

After this, increase the diet, still giving it cold and in small quantities at a time, up to 1 1/2 pints of milk, 3 to 4 ounces of toast and butter, one egg, and 1/4 lb. shredded meat in sandwiches. The diet should be steadily increased, and in about ten days after the hemorrhage the patient should be back to his standard dietary.

The following diet would probably be suitable about the fifth or sixth day, the food being given in small quantity ever)- two hours: -

4 a.m. - Meat juice in milk, 1 1/2 ounces.

6 A.M. - Milk, 4 ounces, and 2 teaspoonfuls of Plasmon.

8 A.M. - Egg beaten into I ounce of milk.

Half-slice of toast well buttered, or two biscuits buttered, 10 A.M. - Soup from good stock, with raw-meat juice (2 1/2 ounces). Noon. - Allenbury food made with milk, 3 ounces. 2 P.M. - Raw-meat sandwiches, made with 1 ounce bread, 1 ounce meat, and butter; or Pounded chicken, 3 ounces, and 1 ounce bread and butter; or Fish cream, 3 ounces, and 1 ounce bread and butter. 4 p.m. - Milk, 4 ounces, and 1 teaspoonful of Plasmon.

6 p.m. - Scrambled egg on toast.

8 P.M. - Custard, 3 ounces; or curds with cream, 3 ounces. 10 p.m. - Milk with Plasmon, 4 ounces; one biscuit. Noon. - Chicken essence or meat jelly, 2 ounces. 2.30 a.m. - Benger's food, 3 ounces.

Some authorities have a great belief in the value of raw-meat juice and raw meat in cases of haemoptysis. Where there are a succession of haemorrhages and the patient's strength is much reduced, the diet must be increased, and the blood-pressure reduced if necessary by means other than diet.