This is a term which includes many different conditions. All the infectious fevers are, in one sense, diseases of blood-poisoning, the poison in each case being specific-that is, peculiar to the disease it produces. Again, the condition known as “pyaemia” is a blood-poisoning disease. This is brought about by the absorption of putrid matter into the blood from unhealthy abscesses and wounds, and results in the formation of abscesses in joints and other parts of the body, and is almost invariably fatal. Differing from this, though often confounded with it under the same name, is, “septicaemia,” resulting from the absorption of the products of decomposition (“septic material”) into the blood and producing fever. Diphtheria is also a blood-poisoning disease, and may arise directly from the poisonous emanations of bad drainage.
The two conditions usually referred to when “blood-poisoning” is mentioned without further qualification are pyaemia and septicaemia. These are grave conditions, and always be treated by a medical man.
General Treatment.-The patient must be placed in the best possible hygienic conditions, with abundance of pure air and pure water. The diet must be of the lightest and most nourishing possible, and be given frequently. Stimulants will be administered as the physician directs, but their place can often be taken with advantage by homoeopathic medicines.
Medicines.-(To be given frequently, every hour or two.)
Baptisia 3.-
Fever of typhoid type; broad, coated tongue; loose bowels,, formation of abscesses.
Arsenicum 3.-
Fever of typhoid type, red tongue, thirst, anxiety.
