FE′VER

Syn. Febris , Pyrexia , L. In pathology a condition characterised by lo of appetite, thirst, languor, debility, unwillingne to move, accelerated pulse, increased heat of surface, and general disturbance of all the functions. A large number of diseases in which all or some of these symptoms appear are called FEVERS . They have been divided by nosologists into intermittent ( INTERMIT TEN TES ), remittent ( REMIT TEN TES ), and continued fevers ( CONTINUÆ ). The first of these are generally known as AGUES ; the second differ from agues in there being one or more marked exacerbations and remi ions of the symptoms every 24 hours, but without any entire intermi ion. The terms ‘hectic,’ ‘nervous,’ ‘bilious,’ ‘inflammatory,’ ., have also been applied to particular varieties of fever; and names indicative of certain cutaneous appearances connected with them have been given to others; as ‘scarlet’ fever, ‘yellow’ fever, . The usual symptoms of incipient fever (febrile symptoms) are—chilline (varying from a simple shiver to a sensation of cold water running down the back), a quick pulse, hot and dry skin or flushing, languor, often evinced by yawning, depre ion of spirits, alternate fits of shivering and heat, hurried and uneasy respiration, flying pains in various parts of the body, as the head, back, and loins; lo of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dry mouth, furred tongue, costivene , urine small in quantity, and usually of a deep colour, . When any of these symptoms appear, their progre may often be arrested by the timely exhibition of an emetic, followed by a saline purgative, and diaphoretics; at the same time promoting the action of these remedies by a low diet and drinking copiously of diluents, and carefully avoiding animal food, spirits, fermented liquors, or anything at all stimulant. Whenever symptoms of fever become established, medical advice should be sought and implicitly followed. In parts where it cannot be obtained the treatment recommended under Ague , Inflammation , Remittent Fever , and Typhus , may be followed with advantage. In visiting or attending persons labouring under fevers, it is advisable to avoid immediate contact with them or their clothing, or standing near them in such a position as to inhale their breath, or the effluvia evolved (in some cases) by their bodies; and when remaining for some time in the apartment it is preferable to sit or stand near the fireplace, or between the window and door, as such parts of the room are generally better ventilated than the other portions. The greatest purifier of the atmosphere of a sick chamber is a good fire, because it occasions a continual current of the impure air up the chimney, and a corresponding influx of fresh air from without. Chloride of lime, or chloride of zinc, or their solutions, are also good purifiers. The first, however, should not be used in quantity, as the evolved chlorine might in that case impede the respiration of the patient. It is also advisable to avoid entering the room of a patient labouring under contagious diseases of any cla when the stomach is empty or the spirits depre ed; and it has been recommended to clear the mouth of the saliva immediately after quitting the chamber. See Ablution , .