The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English Part 42

Scrofula may be the consequence of insufficient nourishment, resulting from subsisting upon poor food, or a too exclusively vegetable diet, with little or no animal food.

Want of exercise and uncleanliness contribute to its production. It is much more prevalent in temperate lat.i.tudes, where the climate is variable, than in tropical or frigid regions. The season of the year also greatly influences this disease, for it frequently commences in the winter and spring, and disappears again in the summer and autumn months.

TREATMENT. The skin should be kept clean by means of frequent baths.

These a.s.sist the functional changes which must take place on the surface of the body, permit the stimulating influence of the light and air and facilitate the aeration of the blood, as well as the transpiration of fluids through the innumerable pores of the skin. All exposure to a low temperature, especially in damp weather, and the wearing of an insufficient amount of clothing should be avoided. Then the food should be generous and of the most nouris.h.i.+ng character. Steady habits and regular hours for eating and sleep must be observed, if we would restore tone and regularity to the functions of nutrition. Moderate exercise in the open air is essential, in order that the blood may become well oxygenated, that the vital changes may take place. It is no doubt true that the occasion of the prevalence of scrofula among the lower cla.s.ses may be ascribed to frequent and severe climatic exposures, irregular and poor diet, or want of due cleanliness. Every well-regulated family can avoid such causes and live with a due regard to the conditions of health. The proper treatment of scrofula is important, because we meet with its symptoms on every side, showing its slow actions upon different parts of the body and its influence upon all the organs. After this disease has been existing for an indefinite length of time, certain glands enlarge, slowly inflame, finally suppurate, and are very difficult to heal. These sores are very liable to degenerate into ulcers. All of these symptoms point to a peculiar taste of the blood, which continually feeds and strengthens this morbid outbreak. All authors agree that the blood is not rich in fibrinous elements, but tends to feebleness and slow inflammation, which ends in maturation.

Thus we may trace back this low and morbid condition of the blood to debility of the nutritive organs, defective digestion, which may be induced by irregular habits, a lack of nouris.h.i.+ng food, or by the acquirement of some venereal taint.

The matter that is discharged from these glands is not healthy, but is thin, serous, and acrid; a whey-like fluid containing little fragments of tuberculous matter, which resembles curd. The affected glands ulcerate, look blue and indolent, and manifest no disposition to heal.

We have thus traced this disorder back to weak, perverted and faulty nutrition, to disordered and vitiated blood, the products of which slowly inflame the glands, which strain out unhealthy, irritating, poisonous matter. The medicines to remedy this perverted condition of the blood and fluids must be alteratives which will act upon the digestive organs and tone the nutritive functions, thus enriching and purifying the blood. As this affection is frequently a complication in chronic diseases, it is eminently proper for us to refer to a few considerations involved in its general treatment.

An alterative medicine belongs to a cla.s.s which is considered capable of producing a salutary change in a disease without exciting any sensible evacuation. In scrofula, remedies should be employed which will improve digestion and also prevent certain morbid operations in the blood.

It is well known to medical men that nearly all medicines belonging to the cla.s.s of alteratives, are capable of solution in the gastric and intestinal secretions, and pa.s.s without material change, by the process of absorption, through the coats of the stomach and intestines, as do all liquids, and so gain an entrance into the general circulation; that these same alteratives act locally to tone and strengthen the mucous surfaces, and thus promote and rectify the process of digestion before being absorbed; that alterative medicines, when in the blood, must permeate the ma.s.s of the circulation, and thus reach the remote parts of the body and influence every function; that these medicines, while in the blood, may combine with it, reconstruct it, and arrest its morbid tendencies to decomposition.

We should use those alteratives which give tone to the digestive and nutritive functions, in order to curtail the constant propagation of scrofula in the system; which alter and purify the blood through the natural functions, thus reconstructing it; and which check the septic, _disorganizing_ changes which are evinced by the irritating and poisonous matter discharged from the ulcers.

These are the three ways in which medicines operate upon the nutritive functions and the blood.

Thus alteratives may be specifics, in so far as they are particularly useful in certain disorders, and the combination which has been made in Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, excels all others with which we are acquainted, for scrofulous diseases, particularly in fulfilling the foregoing indications. It works out peculiar processes in the blood, not like food, by supplying merely a natural want, but by strengthening the nutritive functions and counteracting morbid action, after which operations it pa.s.ses out of the system by excretion.

From what has been said upon the importance of blood medicines and their modes of action, the reader must not infer that we account for all diseases by some fault of the humors of the body, for we do not. But that scrofula, in its varied forms, results from imperfect nutrition and disorders of the blood, is now universally conceded. It is for this reason that neither time nor pains have been spared in perfecting an alterative, tonic, nutritive, restorative, and antiseptic compound, to which Dr. Pierce has given the name of "Golden Medical Discovery." Not only is it an alterative and a nutritive restorative, acting upon the secretions, but it opposes putrefaction and degenerative decay of the fluids and solids. Hence its universal indication in all scrofulous diseases. It will intercept those thin, watery discharges which are the result of weakness, degeneration, and putrescent decay of the blood, perpetuated by a low grade of scrofulous inflammation. By an adult it can be taken in doses of from one to two teaspoonfuls three or four times per day.

The bowels should be properly regulated. When constipation exists one or two of Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets taken daily, will fulfill the indication. The patient ought not to neglect to carry out all the hygienic recommendations heretofore given. The treatment of running sores is very simple. Cleanse them every day with Castile-soap and water, being careful not to rub or touch the surface of the sores. Use a clean sponge or a piece of clean muslin and saturating it with the warm water, hold it a few inches above the affected part, and squeeze out the fluid, allowing the cleansing stream to fall gently upon the open sore.

After thoroughly cleansing the sore, apply to it Dr. Pierce's All-Healing Salve. 25 cents in postage stamps sent to us will secure a box by return post if your druggist does not have it in stock.

HIP-JOINT DISEASE.

(c.o.xALGIA.)

_Hip-joint disease_, also known as c.o.xalgia, is frequently a scrofulous affection of the hip-joint. It usually attacks children, but may occur at any period of life. The causes of this affection are imperfectly understood, yet all the indications point to a scrofulous state of the system. Dampness, cold, improper diet, severe injuries from blows or falls are all numbered among the exciting causes which are conducive to the establishment of this disease.

THE SYMPTOMS are usually developed gradually; at first there is severe pain in the knee, but finally it is located in the hip-joint.

Occasionally it is noticed in the hip and knee at the same time. As the disease progresses, the general health becomes impaired, there is wasting of the muscles, wakefulness, disturbed sleep, high fever, profuse and offensive perspiration, the hair falls out, and there is an inability to move the limb without producing excruciating pain.

Frequently pus will be formed and discharged at different points, and the limb will become greatly emaciated. Since pain in the knee-joint may mislead as to the location of the disease, to determine the seat of the affection, place the patient in a chair and percuss the knee lightly, by giving it a slight blow with the knuckle; if the hip be affected, the pain will be readily felt in that joint; if it be simply neuralgia of the knee-joint, it will excite no pain whatever. If the disease be allowed to progress and dislocation of the joint takes place, the affected limb becomes shortened.

TREATMENT. The treatment of this disease should consist in rest for the hip-joint, cleanliness of the person and plenty of fresh air and light, a nutritious diet and the use of tonics and sustaining alterative, or blood-cleansing medicines. Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery has, unaided by other medicines, cured many cases of this disease. This cla.s.s of medicines should be persistently employed, in order to obtain their full effects. It is a disease which progresses slowly and which is not easily turned from its course, and its fatality should warn the afflicted to employ the best treatment.

Many poor, unfortunate victims know too well, from sad experience, that the course of treatment frequently recommended and employed by physicians and surgeons is ineffectual, and cruel; they deplete the system, apply locally liniments, lotions, iodine, and hot applications; confine the patient in bed and strap his hips down immovably, thus preventing all exercise; then they attach that cruel instrument of torture, the weight and pulley, to the diseased limb.

After many years of practical experience in the treatment of hundreds of cases, we have developed a system of treatment for this terrible malady which is based upon common sense. Instead of depleting, we, by proper const.i.tutional treatment, strengthen and fortify the system. We do not confine the patient in bed, but permit him to go around and take all necessary exercise. We adjust an ingeniously devised and perfectly fitting appliance or apparatus, by which a gentle extension of the limb is maintained, thereby relieving the tension of the muscles, and preventing the friction and wearing of the inflamed surfaces of the joint, which, without the use of our new and improved appliance, are a source of constant irritation. The appliances required in the successful treatment of this disease are numerous and varied in their construction, and require skill and experience on the part of the surgical mechanic as well as on the part of the surgeon, to take accurate and proper measurements of the diseased limb, and to construct the appliances so that they will be adapted to the various requirements of different cases. There are no definite rules for taking these measurements, and only a thorough examination of the case can indicate to the eye of the experienced surgeon what measurements are required, and what kind of an appliance is suitable for each individual case. At the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Inst.i.tute these measurements are all taken by the surgeon in person, and each appliance is constructed under his immediate supervision. It is utterly impossible for physicians who have but a limited experience in the treatment of such cases to take correct measurements and send off for an apparatus which fulfills the requirements of the case.

In the light of our vast experience at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Inst.i.tute, we feel that we cannot too strongly urge the employment of a suitable apparatus for supporting the hip-joint, giving it perfect rest, and enabling the patient to exercise and get the outdoor air. As much of the pain in this disease is due to the pressure of the head of the _femur_, or thigh-bone, in the _acetabulum_, or socket, steadily-applied mechanical extension, to relieve the inflamed and sensitive joint of the pressure, is of the greatest importance. By such application the patient is enabled to move about without pain, while the joint is kept perfectly at rest--a condition favorable to the reduction of inflammation within it. The surgeon specialist of the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Inst.i.tute is frequently sent for to visit cases of this disease hundreds of miles away and by the employment of suitable apparatus he has been enabled, in scores of cases, to relieve the suffering at once. In cases in which the head of the thigh bone, or the bony socket of the joint has become so diseased as to cause it to ulcerate and break down, all portions of diseased bone should be _thoroughly removed_ by a surgical operation. If this be neglected or delayed, a fatal termination of the disease may be expected. Parents should not put off the employment of a competent specialist in this terrible, distressing, and fatal disease. As treated by general pract.i.tioners, it very often proves fatal; or, after causing intense suffering for a series of years, if the active condition of the disease subsides, the patient is left with a ruined and broken const.i.tution, a result which more prompt and earlier relief would have prevented.

The records of practice at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Inst.i.tute abound in reports of cases, demonstrating the fact, that by careful and judicious management, hip-joint disease in its earlier stages, may be promptly arrested, and that cures may be effected even when the bony structure of the joint is seriously diseased.

WHITE SWELLING

White Swelling, otherwise known as _Hydrarthrus_, or _Synovitis_, more frequently affects the knee-joint than any other part. The joints of the elbow, wrist, ankle, or toes, may, however, be affected with this disease, but we shall speak of it in this connection as affecting only the knee-joint. Synovitis may be acute or chronic. The latter form is sometimes induced by blows, sprains, falls, etc., or from exposure to cold; more frequently it is the result of rheumatism or scrofula.

THE SYMPTOMS of this affection are generally slow in their appearance, being sometimes months in manifesting themselves. The joint at first presents only a slight degree of swelling, which gradually increases.

Pain is soon felt, mild at first, but augmenting until it becomes severe. The skin has a smooth, glistening appearance, and there is an increased amount of heat in the parts. The affected limb becomes wasted, and is sometimes permanently flexed. There is more or less fever about the body, impairment of the digestive organs, and sleeplessness. The pulse is low but quick, and night-sweats and diarrhea often appear.

Under this irritation, the patient is liable to waste away and finally die.

A _post-mortem_ examination reveals the effects of the disease upon the parts attacked. The cartilages of the joint are soft, the synovial membrane is thickened, the ligaments are inflamed and often destroyed, the synovial fluid is increased in amount, sometimes normal in appearance, at others thick and viscous. If the bones be diseased, their articular extremities may be distended and fatty matter deposited in them. The conditions depend upon the form, severity, and duration of the disease.

Synovitis may be considered under three heads; Rheumatic, Scrofulous, and Syphilitic.

_Rheumatic Synovitis_ may arise from exposure to cold, from some injury, or from intemperance in eating. The beginning of the disease may be distinctly marked, or it may come on so gradually that the time of its commencement cannot be noted. The pain is of a dull, steady character, and less severe in the night. This form of the disease sometimes terminates favorably, but in scrofulous systems it is liable to end in the destruction of the joint. It is more common in early life, rarely occurring after the thirtieth year.

_Scrofulous Synovitis_, or _Tuberculosis of the Knee-joint_, when of a chronic character, shows a wasting of the limb, and the swelling is of a pulpy consistence. This form of the disease is more liable to occur in children, though occasionally it is met with in adults. But little pain accompanies this form, although the limb is liable to become permanently affected. In its earlier stages this disease may be checked.

_Syphilitic Synovitis_ is the result of syphilis. The pain is more severe during the night. It, however, generally terminates unfavorably, especially in scrofulous const.i.tutions.

THE TREATMENT of white swelling should be both const.i.tutional and local.

Alterative medicines are indicated to purify the blood. Doctor Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is unequaled for this purpose.

As local treatment, in the active stage of the disease, the knee-joint should be steamed, and hot fomentations applied. This should be followed by applications over the joint of solid extract of stramonium or belladonna, mixed with glycerine. The joint should be wrapped in cotton or wool to keep it uniformly warm. If there are openings about the joint, discharging pus, syringe them out once a day with Castile soap-suds, which may be improved by adding a little bicarbonate of potash (common saleratus). See that the bowels are kept regular, and that the diet is nouris.h.i.+ng.

Cases of this disease which have been treated at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Inst.i.tute with uniform success might be cited to the extent of filling a very large number of pages like these. When treated by a skilled specialist, this otherwise formidable and dangerous disease is readily amenable to treatment, and good and serviceable limbs can be promised, even in the extreme cases in which amputation is usually advised by general pract.i.tioners and surgeons, who desire the glory that they imagine they will receive by performing a capital operation.

RICKETS. (RACHITIS.)

Rickets is a scrofulous disease, in which there is derangement of the entire system, and it finally manifests itself in disease of the bones.

It is characterized by a softening of the bony tissue, due to a deficiency of earthy or calcareous matter in their composition. It appears to be a disease incident to cold, damp places, ill-lighted and imperfectly ventilated rooms, and it especially attacks those who are uncleanly in their habits.

THE SYMPTOMS of rickets are severe pains in the bones, especially during the night, febrile excitement and profuse perspiration, paleness of the face, a sallow and wrinkled appearance of the skin, and derangement of the digestive organs. After a time the body becomes emaciated, the face pale, and the head unusually large. The bones become soft and unable to support the body; various distortions appear; the extremities of the long bones are enlarged, while the limbs between the joints are very slender. Rickets is a disease peculiar to childhood, though it may not be developed until a more advanced period of life. It rarely proves fatal, unless the lungs, heart, or other vital organs, become involved.

In some instances the softening and other symptoms continue to increase until every function is affected, and death ensues.

_Post-mortem_ examinations of those who have died of rickets have disclosed morbid changes in the brain, liver, and lymphatic glands. The lungs are often compressed or displaced, and the muscles of the body become pale and wasted. Sometimes the bones are so soft, on account of the deficiency of the calcareous deposit, that they can be easily cut with a knife.

TREATMENT. The use of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is indicated in this affection. It is a disease usually developed during childhood, in consequence of insufficient exercise, deprivation of the sunlight, low, innutritious diet, and lack of cleanliness. Therefore, it is essential to obviate all known causes, and, at the same time supply the patient with food rich in those elements which the system seems to demand. Under any plan of treatment the general directions given for the hygienic management of scrofula should be followed. We might cite many cases that have entirely recovered from this disease, under our advice and the use of "Golden Medical Discovery." We shall merely say, for the encouragement of the afflicted, that this form of scrofula yields readily to this medicine.

OLD SORES. (CHRONIC ULCERS.)

Under this head we may properly consider that cla.s.s of affections known as Fever-sores, Running-sores, Ulcers, etc. These sores have common characteristics, yet each possesses certain peculiarities, which have led to their division into _irritable, indolent_, and _varicose_. These peculiarities are not constant, one form of ulcer often changing into another. One feature common to all, however, is their slowness in healing, which has sometimes led to the belief that they are incurable.

Another popular notion is that their cure is detrimental to the health of the patient. With equal propriety we might say that it is dangerous to cure diarrhea, dysentery, consumption, or cancer. As a result of these erroneous impressions, many people suffer from chronic ulcers for years, and even for a life-time, without attempting to obtain relief.

Chronic ulcers usually appear upon the lower extremities. The depth and appearance of the ulcer depend upon its character and the thickness of the tissues where it is situated. Fig. 2 shows a chronic ulcer, or fever-sore, as it appears upon the ankle.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 2.

A Chronic Ulcer.]