DROPSY

Syn. Hydrops , L. An unnatural collection of aqueous fluid in any part of the body. Dropsy has received different names, according to the part of the body affected by the disease. When it occurs in the cellular membrane it is called ANASARCA ; when in the cavity of the abdomen, Ascites ; in the cavity of the cranium, HYDROCEPHALUS ; in the scrotum, HYDROCELE ; in the uterus, HYDROMETRA ; and in the chest, HYDROTHORAX . Dropsy is mostly a symptom of extreme debility and a broken-down constitution, and frequently follows lengthened attacks of exhausting chronic diseases. The treatment of dropsy, perhaps, more than any other disease, depends upon the circumstances with which it is connected, and, more especially, upon those which have caused it. The acute inflammatory forms of dropsy generally require depletion. In most other cases, tonics may be advantageously administered. To promote the absorption of the accumulated fluids, diuretics are commonly resorted to. Confirmed dropsy (especially HYDROCEPHALUS and HYDROTHORAX ), occurring in patients either much debilitated by previous disease or of a bad habit of body, is seldom curable.