SYMPTOMS.- First, Coeliac disease is a disease beginning in the second year, characterized, by wasting, languor, abdominal distension, and a peculiar Diarrhoea of pale, offensive, very bulky, porridge-like stools. It is very chronic course, liable to relapse, not fatal and not tuberculous though it often arouses a suspicion of Tuberculosis. It differs from Tabes Mesenterica in having no enlarged glands, and from Tuberculous Peritonitis in having no ascites (fluid in peritoneum).
Next, Tabes Mesenterica is marked by anaemia and wasting, distension of the abdomen, enlargement of the deep glands of the abdomen (which may produce the effect of large tumours), a Diarrhoea of thin, offensive stools, and fever.
Thirdly, in tuberculous ulceration of the bowel there are similar characteristics, with more marked pain and tenderness, and tubercle bacilli in the stools.
Fourthly, in Tuberculous Peritonitis there are the same general features of fever, anaemia, emaciation, and abdominal distension and tenderness. There are also nausea, vomiting, and an alternation of constipation with Diarrhoea of pale, offensive motions. Two main types are distinguished, (a) the “wet” in which there is much ascites – the more favourable form, (b) the “dry” or plastic type, in which there is great thickening and adhesion of omentum and bowels, causing lumps and indurations as well as a general doughy feeling, together perhaps with enlarged glands.
TREATMENT.- If seen early a few doses of Sulphur, followed by a course of Calcarea carb., or Mercurius-Bin. will probably prove most beneficial.
INDICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE AND OTHER REMEDIES.
Arsenicum Iodium- Prostration, weakness, thirst, profuse Diarrhoea.
Calcarea carb.- Well-marked scrofulous cachexia, swelling of glands, listlessness, aged expression.
Iodium.- Diarrhoea, cough, night-sweats, and variable appetite.
Iodoformum.- Chronic Diarrhoea, abdominal distention, enlarged mesenteric glands.
Mercurius-Bin.- Profuse Diarrhoea, variable appetite, great distention and tenderness of abdomen, thirst.
Sulphur.- In the first stage and during convalescence.
Tuberculinum.- In early stage, where the child (usually of fair complexion) is constantly catching cold. Early morning offensive Diarrhoea.
ACCESSORY TREATMENT.- The general treatment of the tuberculous forms of abdominal disease is much the same. The patient should receive an abundance of milk and fatty food, especially Cod-liver oil, also fruit; externally, fresh air and sunlight. A prolonged stay at the seaside, especially on the east coast of Kent, together with sea-bathing, is of the highest benefit. The patient should be warmly clothed, and in particular should not be allowed to confirm to the limbs to a minimum.
A flannel bandage should be worn round the abdomen. Massage, especially with Cod- liver oil, is good. In Tabes Mesenterica and Tuberculous Peritonitis it is good practice to rub in iodoform ointment. In Tuberculous Peritonitis with marked dropsy, operation (the letting out of fluid and the letting in of daylight) often does a great deal of good. Such operation should be accompanied and followed by homoeopathic medication. The treatment of Coeliac disease differs from that of the other forms of abdominal disease in respect of diet. In Coeliac disease fat and starchy food must be severely restricted, and reliance largely placed on raw meat, raw meat juice, jellies, and malted foods (e.g. Mellin’s biscuits, grape-nuts, Horlick’s malted milk).
32. Muco-Purulent Ophthalmia.
DEFINITION.- Inflammation of the mucous membrane which lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the front part of the globe of the eye, occurring in delicate children, often of tuberculous stock, generally under eight years of age, and in young persons advancing towards puberty.
SYMPTOMS.- The prominent ones are – dread of light; spasmodic contraction of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle, the lids being everted by the spasmodic action; profuse flowing of tears, which excoriate the cheeks; sensation as of grit in the eye. There are often such concomitants as styes, enlargement of the glands in the neck, sore ears, etc.
CAUSE.- The real cause or “seed” is doubtless microbic, the “soil” often pre-tuberculous; the exciting causes are exposure to bright light, cold, and irritating vapours, neglect of cleanliness, etc.
TREATMENT.- as a general rule it will be advisable to commence with Sulphur – a dose three times a day – and to continue it as long as it appears to be acting beneficially. But if no manifest improvement result in four or five days, Mercurius Cor. should be given at similar intervals.
INDICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE AND OTHER REMEDIES.
Arsenicum.- Burning in the eyes; obstinate cases after the failure of other remedies.
Belladonna.- As an intercurrent remedy if the eyelids be much swollen, and if an aggravation has resulted from exposure to cold.
Calcarea Carb.- When with the eye symptoms there are swollen glands in the neck and other marks of the scrofulous constitution.
Euphrasia.- Profuse discharge of tears in addition to the other symptoms.
Mercurius Cor.- Extreme intolerance of light; small pustules at the junction of the cornea with the conjunctiva.
Sulphur.- Chiefly useful when the inflammation of the eyes is the only sign of scrofulous taint.
ACCESSORY MEANS.- As a lotion, warm water should frequently be applied during the acute stage, or tepid milk-and-water previously boiled. Much comfort may also be derived from holding the eyes over the vapour from hot water. The eyes should be protected by a shade from the sun and wind. Wholesome nourishing food, including Cod-liver oil, and purse country or sea air are essential.
CHAPTER III
DISEASE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
33. Chronic Hydrocephalus – “Water on the Brain”.
DEFINITION. A collection of watery fluid within the ventricles of the brain. It occurs before the suture and fontanelles are closed, so that the bones yield to pressure from within. The disease may be congenital or acquired.
SYMPTOMS.- The most marked feature is the disproportion between the size of the skull and that of the face. The circumference of the head, which at birth is about fourteen inches, may reach thirty to forty inches. The face under it appears small and triangular. The sutures are widely separated, and the anterior fontanelle is very large and pulsating. The child is usually weak, emaciated, imbecile, and liable to develop Spastic Paralysis, Convulsions, and Epilepsy. From the chronic form blindness results very often.
CAUSES.- Congenital Hydrocephalus is due to faulty development in pre-natal life. Acquired chronic Hydrocephalus is mostly due to posterior basic Meningitis, the endemic form of the epidemic Cerebrospinal Meningitis.
TREATMENT.- In the early stage Belladonna will probably be the most useful medicine to give, followed by Calcarea carb. or Mercurius-Sol.6, or alternated with it.
INDICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE AND OTHER REMEDIES.
Apis.- Urine scanty, throat oedematous, traceable to Scarlatina.
Arsen.-Iodium- Tubercular cachexia, with enlarged abdominal glands, cough, and inanition or prostration.
Belladonna.- Convulsions, and other acute symptoms.
Calcarea carb.- Joints large, bones soft or curved, teeth delayed or decayed, nutrition defective, especially in strumous children.
Digitalis.- Urine suppressed or scanty; circulation feeble; particularly suitable for children of drunkards.
Ferrum Iodium- A puffy, flabby state of the system, enlarged glands, hard abdomen, and pale, earthy complexion.
Helleborus.- Head very large, or enlarging fast. Acute symptoms.
Mercurius Sol.6 – Syphilitic cachexia.
Silicea.- Tendency to suppuration, perspiration of the hand, and other symptoms like those under Calcarea carb.
Sulph.- Tedious cases; skin dry or covered with various eruptions.
ACCESSORY TREATMENT.- The most important points are – fresh air, out-of-door exercise, Cod-liver oil, and nourishing food.
34. Infantile Convulsions – Fits.
DEFINITION.- Violent, irregular contraction of the voluntary muscles, alternating with relaxation.
SYMPTOMS.- In simple cases there is light twitching of the facial muscles, rolling of the eyes, and some difficulty or irregularity of breathing which soon pass off spontaneously. Severe cases are marked by sudden loss of consciousness, violent movements of the arms, legs, and head; turning of the eyes so that the white is visible, and the pupils almost invisible; pallor or redness of the face, lividity of the lips; clenching of the hands, the thumb being under the fingers; and bending of the great toes upon the soles of the feet. The fit may last for one or two minutes, when it passes off either altogether, or to recur after a longer or shorter intervals. The slighter attacks are common to new-born infants.
CAUSES.- The irritation of Dentition, or of Indigestion, Worms, etc.: a blow or fall; fright; disease of the brain, impure supply of blood to the brain, as in the eruptive fevers; feeble action of the heart; deficient supply of blood from defective nourishment; suppressed eruptions.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."