Mother's Remedies Part 54

The spleen is swollen. Prostration is extreme and it often ends in death.

(b) Charbon or Wool Sorter's disease occurs among those employed in picking over wool or hair of infected animals--the germs being inhaled or swallowed. The onset is sudden with a chill, then fever, pain in the back and legs, and severe prostration. There may be difficulty of breathing and signs of bronchitis, or vomiting and diarrhea. Death is a common termination, sometimes within a day. Death rate is from five to twenty-six per cent. Greatest when the swelling is near the head.

Treatment.--The wound or swelling should be cauterized and a solution of carbolic acid or b.i.+.c.hloride of mercury injected around it and applied to its surface. Stimulants and feeding are important.

LOCKJAW. (Teta.n.u.s).--Teta.n.u.s or lockjaw, as it is commonly called, is an infectious disease and is characterized by painful and violent contractions of the voluntary muscles; it may be of the jaw alone or of a considerable part of the body.

Causes.--The intelligence and mental faculties are not impaired. In most cases it follows a wound or injury, although in others there seems to be no exciting causes. Fourth of July celebrations furnish a great many of our lockjaw cases. Ten to fifteen days usually elapse after the wound before lockjaw really sets in.

[232 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Symptoms.--It comes on occasionally with a chill or chilly feelings; usually by rigidity (stiffness) of the neck, jaw and face. On arising in the morning there is sometimes a stiffness of the muscles at the back of the head. It is not unusual on taking a slight cold to have a stiff neck and often the patient's attention is not attracted by this symptom.

Sometimes this stiffness begins or soon extends to the muscles of the lower jaw; the throat becomes dry and is painful and gradually the stiffness increases to a continuous contraction, spasm, and extends to the muscles of the trunk and extremities. The body becomes rigid in a straight line or bent backward, forward or sidewise. This spasm occurs after any slight irritation and is extremely painful. Temperature is usually low.

During the first spasms the patient may attempt to open his mouth as he may naturally be suspicious of the trouble that is coming; he succeeds with difficulty and even finds it hard to swallow; soon the jaws may be firmly closed, and it is from this feature of the disease that it gained the name of lockjaw. The contractions in some cases do not extend beyond the neck and face muscles. During the contractions the face may be drawn into frightful contortions. Food can be given only through such s.p.a.ces as may exist between the teeth, as often the patient cannot open his mouth himself, nor can it be pried open by any force that would be allowable.

When the muscles of the trunk are affected the abdomen may be drawn inward, become very hard and stiff, chest movements are affected, making it difficult to breathe, sometimes almost to suffocation. Sometimes the body becomes bent like a bow, as in some cases of spinal meningitis, so that only the head and heels support the weight of the body. The body may become so rigid that it can be lifted by a single limb as you would a statue. It is fortunate that there are few cases, comparatively, of lockjaw as the distorted face and general contractions of the body are painful to witness.

Recovery.--The mortality in lockjaw cases runs about eight per cent.

Sometimes death is caused by exhaustion from the muscular exertions; the patient is seldom able to sleep and sometimes wears out in a few days.

Sometimes suffocation brings a sudden end to his sufferings and usually one or two days to ten or twelve days is the limit. Among the lower cla.s.ses where sanitary science is seldom observed, and even among the better cla.s.ses, lockjaw has been known to occur in infants. It usually comes on, in ten to fifteen days after birth, and the child seldom lives more than a few days, It is hard to account for such cases which may come on suddenly from the slightest excitement such as sudden noises, etc.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--l. Lockjaw, Successful Remedy for.--"A very good and successful remedy for this disease, is to apply a warm poultice of flaxseed meal, saturated with laudanum and sugar of lead water, to the jaws and neck."

2. Lockjaw, Smoke as a Cure for.--"Smoke the wound for twenty minutes in the smoke of burnt woolen cloths. This is considered a never failing remedy."

[INFECTIOUS DISEASES 233]

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--If from a wound cut open and use antiseptics.

Isolate the patient and have absolute quiet. Ant.i.toxin is used with success in some cases of lockjaw, but this and other remedies or measures must be handled by a physician, Opium is sometimes given and stimulants such as brandy, whisky, etc. As it is a case of life or death in a very short time, we cannot advise depending upon home treatment. A preventive caution that must always be observed is the use of antiseptics and the strictest care of all injuries and wounds that might result in lockjaw.

This is a disease where an ounce of prevention is worth a thousand pounds of cure, because by the time the disease is recognized as lockjaw and has really made an appearance, it may be too late for medical skill. While you are waiting for the doctor you may apply cold cloths or even an ice bag to the spine. If the spasms are severe let the patient inhale chloroform to kill the pain and quiet him. In the meantime secure the best physician within your reach, and follow his directions carefully, be calm and self- possessed when in the presence of the patient, for you must remember that he has full possession of his mental faculties and will notice every evidence of fear or worry in the faces of those who are nursing him. This will only add to his sufferings, affect his nervous system and undermine his general vitality. Read carefully the nursing department in this book and you will gain some valuable hints and knowledge regarding the sick room.

GLANDERS.--This is an acute disease of the horse and occasionally of man.

It is called "glanders" when the affection appears in the nostrils, and is called "farcy" when in the skin.

Causes.--The bacilli is usually introduced from infected horses through the nose, mouth and cheek, mucous membranes or skin abrasions (rubbing off of the skin). There are large or small lumps in the skin, mucous membrane of the nose and mouth.

Symptoms. Acute Glanders.--1. Incubation lasts from three to four days.

There are signs of inflammation at the site of infection and general symptoms. In two or three days, small lumps appear on the mucous membrane of the nose, and ulcerate, with a discharge of mucus and pus. Sometimes these nodules die locally, and their discharge is then foul. The glands around the neck are enlarged. An eruption appears over the face and joints. Inflammation of the lungs may occur. Death may take place in eight to ten days.

2. Chronic Glanders.--This may last for months. It acts like chronic cold with ulcer in the nose. Some recover.

3. Acute Farcy.--The local and general signs are those of an infection, with necrosis (local death) at the site (in the skin) of inoculation; nodules, (lumps) known as "farcy buds" form along the lymphatics (glands) and form pus. There may be pus collections in the joints and muscles.

Death often occurs in one to five days.

Chronic Farcy.--Tumors in the skin of the extremities, containing pus. The process is local, the inflammatory symptoms light, and the duration may be months or years.

[234 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Treatment of Glanders.--This disease does not often occur in man; it is an awful affliction. All infected horses must be killed, it is dangerous for man to be around one. If seen early, the wound should be cut out or burned out with caustics, and afterwards dressed like any wound. The "farcy buds"

should be opened early. There is very little hope in acute cases of glanders. In chronic cases recovery is possible, but it will be after a long tedious time. There must be proper nouris.h.i.+ng food and tonic medicines. Each case should be treated according to the indications. It is safe to say the parts should be thoroughly cut or sc.r.a.ped out and then treated with antiseptics and the general system built up, by tonics and stimulating remedies, if needed. As stated before, acute glanders and acute farcy are almost always fatal.

BIG-JAW OR LUMP-JAW. (Actinomycosis).--This is an infectious disease of cattle, less frequently of man, and it is caused by what is called the "ray fungus." This grows in the tissues and develops a ma.s.s with a secondary chronic inflammation.

This disease is widespread among cattle, and also occurs in the pig. In the ox it is called the "big jaw." The infection may be taken in with the food, and it locates itself often in the mouth or surroundings. Oats, barley, and rye may carry the germ to the animals. The fungus may be found even in decayed teeth.

Alimentary Ca.n.a.l Type.--The jaw has been affected in man. One side of the face is swollen or there may be a chronic enlargement of the jaw, which may look like a sarcoma (tumor). The tongue also is sometimes affected and shows small growths. It may also occur in the intestines and liver. There is at first a tumor (lump), and this finally suppurates.

In the Lungs.--They also can be affected. It is chronic here and there is cough, fever, wasting and an expectoration of mucus and pus, sometimes of a very bad odor (fetid). It sometimes acts like miliary tuberculosis of the lungs, and this is quite frequent in oxen. Other diseases of the lungs and bronchial affections occur and abscesses and cavities are formed that may be diagnosed during life.

Symptoms.--If in the jaw there may be toothache, difficulty of swallowing and of opening the jaw. The adjacent muscles may be hardened (indurated).

A swelling appears at the angle of the jaw and this quickly pa.s.ses into suppuration; later it opens first outside, then inside--into the mouth and discharges pus containing little yellow ma.s.ses. It will extend down even into the bowels unless it is properly treated. Then there will be stomach disturbances and diarrhea. It may ulcerate through the bowels and cause peritonitis. The liver, spleen and ovaries may also become affected.

The Skin.--There may be chronic suppurating ulcers of the skin and the "ray fungus" can be found in them.

Diagnosis.--The "ray fungus" can be found. There is a wooden hardness of the tissues beyond the borders of the ulcers; there are the little yellow granules in the pus. The course is chronic. Mild cases recover in six to nine months or earlier, the mouth form being the most favorable.

[INFECTIOUS DISEASES 235]

Treatment.--Surgical. Remove the parts involved. Internally, iodide of potash in large doses is recommended. The food should be plenty and nouris.h.i.+ng. In this case we must recommend you to a physician instead of the home treatments.

GONORRHEA (Urethritis).--This can be called an infectious inflammation of the urethra, caused by the gonococcus, a microbe or germ, causing a specific inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra or v.a.g.i.n.a.

Incubation.--The time that elapses between the exposure and development of the symptoms in the urethra is variable, extending from a few hours to twelve or fourteen days. In the great majority of cases, however, the disease appears during the first week. The patient notices a drop of milk-like fluid at the opening of the urethra, which is slight, red and puffed or turned out; a tickling sensation is often felt in this locality, and the next time urine is pa.s.sed it is attended with a feeling of warmth at the end of the ca.n.a.l, or with actual scalding. After this the symptoms increase rapidly in number and severity, so that within forty-eight hours, or even sooner, the disease may be described as having pa.s.sed its first or increasing stage, the characteristic phenomena of which are as follows:

Changes in the meatus (opening). There are redness, eversion (turning out), ulceration and eating away and often erosion of the lips of the opening of urethra. Sometimes, but rarely, so much swelling that the person can hardly pa.s.s the urine, which drops away. The other symptoms are too well-known by those who have had this disease to need a description.

Prognosis.--It is now considered more than a cold, and it is the cause of terrible sickness in both s.e.xes, among the innocent as well as the guilty.

Treatment.--It may be cured perhaps in a short time, and yet no one can be certain of its absolute cure. This disease is better understood now, and the treatment is entirely different from formerly. The strong injections are now considered not only useless but dangerous to the future health of the patient. The best treatment is mild antiseptic injections, irrigation carefully done by an expert person; remaining quietly in bed, being careful to use food and drink that are not stimulating, keeping the bowels open by proper diet and mild laxatives and the urine mild by soothing diuretic remedies. Unfortunately those affected want quick work and they get it, frequently to their future sorrow. The following are good injections. Before each injection the urine should be pa.s.sed and an injection of an antiseptic like listerine, etc., one dram to an ounce of boiled water, to cleanse the ca.n.a.l. You can use twice a day the following:

Fluid Extract Hydrastis (colored) 1 dram Water 1 ounce

Use one dram of this for each injection. It stains the clothes so you must be careful. This is good and healing.

[236 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

GONORRHEAL ARTHITIS. (Gonorrheal Rheumatism, Inflammation of the Joints).--This is more common in men than women. Occurring during, and at the end of or after inflammation of the urethra. It usually involves many joints, such as the temporal, maxillary and collar bone. The effusion in the joints is usually serious.

Symptoms.--Variable joint pains may be the only one. The attack may resemble an acute articular rheumatism of one joint, or a subacute rheumatism of one or more.

Sometimes there is a chronic one-jointed inflammation usually of the knee.

The tendon sheaths and bursae may be involved alone, or with the joints.