Inflammation of the Bowels

The common causes are incautious exposure to cold, the use of improper food, and the presence of acrid substances or hardened fæces in the bowels. The more constant symptoms are pain over the abdomen, thirst, heat, and extensive restle ne and anxiety; sickne , obstinate constipation, and a hard, small, quick pulse. In the later stages the pain and tenderne of the abdomen, especially around the navel, become exce ive, and there is difficult micturition. In some cases the pain suddenly ceases, the belly becomes tumid, the pulse scarcely perceptible, the countenance ghastly, and the patient dies in a few hours. The treatment consists in blisters, leeches to the abdomen, hot bath and fomentations, aperient clysters, and mercurial purges; with effervescing draughts and opium to allay sickne , followed by diaphoretic salines and gentle aperients. See Stomach affections , .