Coming to the dietetic portion of the treatment of cases of dropsy we find that almost all the schools of treatment agree in giving a salt-free diet. The allowance of salt in the diet should depend on the amount of chlorides retained. More energetic physicians withhold water altogether and give milk instead. Though this practice is extremely hard on patients, yet when pursued, often leads to excellent results.
It is more prudent to follow a middle course, that is, to allow water very sparingly. Milk with well-boiled old rice and Man manda [Man manda is prepared by cooking together the powdered meal of root-stalk of Alocasia Indica (great-leaved Caladium) 9 tolas, powdered rice 18 tolas, milk and water 48 tolas each, boiled till the water is evaporated. No other diet except milk is allowed. Ed] form traditional articles of diet in cases of dropsy.
The bowels should be kept clean and steps should be taken to ensure free drainage of urine. Cold and chill should be strictly avoided.
