Septic conditions of the infantile, and their treatment

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 Excerpt: ...less painful and more equable, with the result of lessened systemic shock and exhaustion. In many cases the natural efforts of the bowel are suflicient, augmented by the peristaltic action of the bile, which is mild and regular in its work. It is here that the thorough understanding of the use of opium is so useful and necessary. Early in some very acute cases, before the onset of frequent evacuations, the irritating influence of the contents of the stomach and intestine can be cut short by the use of a suitable artificial evacuant or emetic such as castor oil or ipecacuanha. In many cases of chronic diarrhoea the constant and systematic use of castor oil is often necessary, and its use is followed by most pleasing results. Taking into consideration the condition of the canal and the requirements of treatment, we are compelled to look round for such a drug as will act mildly and equably on the whole canal, and at once the only possible drug--castor oil--occurs to us. We also find that it has a locally soothing action on inflamed surfaces, as instanced by its effect on the skin in some eczematous conditions. It acts on the whole tract. It also reflexly stimulates the bileexpelling mechanism to action, and thus tends further to increase the aseptic condition of the canal. Castor oil, though a common and time-honoured drug, is perhaps after all the most valuable drug we possess in the treatment of sceptic conditions of the alimentary canal in infants and young children. In chronic cases it should be given as a daily dose in the morning, irrespective of circumstances; and it is well to give a standing order that whether or not mentioned, a dose of from ten to fifteen minims be given to an infant every morning regularly till the case be entirely recovered. A sma...