Hepatitis

(-ti'tis.) [Same der iv.] (Med.) Inflammation of the liver. H. is a rare disease in temperate latitudes, and in tropical climates is often so acute and so rapidly fatal as to admit but little of medical treatment. Itis indicated by pain in the right side and shoulder, tenderne on pre ure in the right hypochondrium, with enlargement of the liver, as detected by the hand and by percu ion, often vomiting, always fever, with more or le lo of appetite and a foul tongue. Not un frequently there is jaundice. The disease sometimes ends in absce es, which may require to be opened externally. The treatment is complicated, and cannot be ventured upon without profe ional a istance. [s. 450]