Part 91 (1/2)

For all fevers of a serious character, such as scarlet fever, typhus fever, typhoid fever, gastric fever, intermittent fever, or ague, &c., it is better to send at once for a medical man. In cases of ordinary fever, indicated by alternate flushes and s.h.i.+vering, a hot dry skin, rapid pulse, and dry foul tongue, the patient should have a warm bath, take but little nourishment, and drink cold water.

_Medicine_. Aconitum napellus.

[AND FAITH BE OUR STAFF.]

948. Flatulency.

This disorder, which arises from, and is a symptom of, indigestion, frequently affects respiration, and causes disturbance and quickened action of the heart. The patient should pay attention to diet, as for dyspepsia.

_Medicines_. China and Nux vomica; Pulsatilla for women, and Chamomilla for children. See DYSPEPSIA (946).

949. Headache.

This disorder proceeds from so many various causes, which require different treatment, that it is wiser to apply at once to a regular h.o.m.oeopathic pract.i.tioner, and especially in headache of frequent occurrence.

_Medicines_. Nux vomica when headache is caused by indigestion; Pulsatilla being useful for women; Belladonna and Ignatia, for sick headache; Aconitum napellus and a.r.s.enic.u.m for nervous headache.

950. Heartburn.

For this unpleasant sensation of heat, arising from the stomach, accompanied by a bitter taste, and sometimes by nausea, Nux vomica is a good medicine. Pulsatilla may be taken by women.

951. Indigestion.

See DYSPEPSIA (946).

952. Measles.

This complaint, which seldom attacks adults, is indicated in its early stage by the usual accompaniments and signs of a severe cold in the head--namely, sneezing, running from the nose and eyelids, which are swollen. The sufferer also coughs, does not care to eat, and feels sick and restless. About four days after the first appearance of these premonitory symptoms, a red rash comes out over the face, neck, and body, which dies away, and finally disappears in about five days. The patient should be kept warm, and remain in one room during the continuance of the disorder, and especially while the rash is out, lest, through exposure to cold in any way, the rash may be checked and driven inwards.

_Medicines_. Aconitum napellus, and Pulsatilla, which are sufficient for all ordinary cases. If there be much fever, Belladonna; and if the rash be driven in by a chill, Bryonia.

953. Mumps.

This disorder is sometimes consequent on measles. It is indicated by the swelling of the glands under the ears and lower jaw. It is far more painful than dangerous. Fomenting with warm water is useful.

_Medicines_. Mercurius generally; Belladonna may be used when mumps follow an attack of measles.

954. Nettlerash.

This rash, so called because in appearance it resembles the swelling and redness caused by the sting of a nettle, is generally produced by a disordered state of the stomach.

_Medicines_. Aconitum napellus, Nux vomica, or Pulsatilla, in ordinary cases; a.r.s.enic.u.m is useful if there be much fever; Belladonna if the rash is accompanied with headache.