FLATULENCE.-(For stomach flatulence, which finds relief in eructations, see ERUCTATIONS.)-Gas may accumulate in the intestines from decomposition of the food which is improperly acted on by the digestive juices. This is especially the case when improper articles of food are taken, or foods that do not agree well with each other. With some patients it does not matter what kind of food they take, the same thing result.
Sometimes it almost seems as if the mucous membrane of the intestines secreted air, the accumulation is so great.
General Treatment.-When it can be clearly traced to errors of diet, these should be rectified or avoided. Eggs, green vegetables, potatoes, peas, and all kinds of pulse are decidedly flatulent in their tendency, and should be avoided or only taken in great moderation. Cold meat will often produce flatulence when hot meat will not. The sour milk dietary is often of use in these cases. The Lactabacillin Tablets of Metchnikoff, taken with a little sweetened milk after meals, are a convenient form of introducing the bacilli into the intestines when sour milk cannot be obtained.
Medicines.-(Every hour when the condition is troublesome. Two or three times a day when taken as a course.)
Chamomilla6.
-Swelling of the body, pinching about the navel, passage of offensive flatus without relief.
Pulsatilla3.
-After eating fat or rich food. Wind rolls about the body.
Nux vomica3.
-From indigestible food; in choleric persons.
Lycop.6.
-Much rumbling in the body; tightness after meals; thick, sandy urine.
Sulph.6.
-In chronic cases; acidity; fainty spells; sinking at the pit of the stomach in the forenoon.