172 CHAPTER 18. 



quick. The heart appears to be endeavouring to make up for deficiency 

 of power in each stroke by more frequent beats. 



Most of the different varieties of inflammation, namely acute, subacute, 

 local, diffused, and specific, may be present with either the sthenic or 

 asthenic type. Chronic inflammation, however, is always, except perhaps 

 quite at first, of an asthenic character. 



The Results of Inflammation, which will now be detailed, may ensue 

 equally from the asthenic as from the sthenic attack. 



351. Results of inflammation. 



Inflammation, according to its degree and other attendant circum- 

 stances, may result in partial or complete resolution, in effusion of serum, 

 in exudation of fibrinous material, in the formation of lymph and adhe- 

 sion, in suppuration, in ulceration, or in mortification. 



352. Resolution. 



The most favorable termination of inflammation is resolution, or 

 simple subsidence of the congestion. In this case the blood is again set 

 in more active motion. The cause of this effect is cessation of the irri- 

 tation producing functional disturbance, and the restoration of the ner- 

 vous power at the original seat of the disease. The functions of the part 

 being restored, the blood soon again flows in its regular course. The 

 surrounding parts are then speedily relieved, and the abnormal heat, 

 redness, swelling, &c., disappear. 



The effusion is very slight, and is soon taken up by the blood-vessels 

 and absorbents, and the parts regain in all respects their normal condi- 

 tion and integrity. This result is in many cases a spontaneous act of 

 nature, but in other cases it may be brought about, hastened, or assisted 

 by art. 



353. Second result or Effusion. 



The second and very common result, even of mild attacks of inflam- 

 mation, is effusion of serum or watery part of blood from the overloaded 

 vessels into the textures of the part, producing a soft pitting swelling. 



Effusion generally gives relief to the pain and more acute symptoms 

 by unloading the over-distended blood-vessels. In favorable cases the 

 blood-vessels and absorbents soon take up the effusion, and the parts are 

 restored to their normal condition. 



This, however, is not always the case. The original disease may con- 

 tinue, and in such cases the undue amount of blood in the part must 

 increase, and the watery effusion will then in consequence be poured out 

 in increased quantities ; or under certain circumstances, hereafter to be 

 detailed, exudation of fibrinous material and the formation of lymph may 

 take the place of the watery effusion. 



