114 PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. 



DYSPEPSIA. 



Dyspepsia signifies any derangement of the functions of the sto- 

 mach. It may be temporary and depend on mere functional 

 der^gement, or may be a consequence of the most serious organic 

 disease. 



Causes. — The causes of dyspepsia are extremely various, as the 

 function of digestion may be disturbed under a great number of dif- 

 ferent circumstances ; those which are now enumerated chiefly refer 

 to simple indigestion. They are, irregularities of diet, the use of 

 debilitating substances, indulgence in spirituous liquors, mental emo- 

 tions, suppression of accustomed discharges, &c. 



The ST/mptovis of dyspepsia are also extremely various, for the 

 process of digestion is a complicated one, and its derangement acts 

 differently on different individuals. The following are the most pro- 

 minent characteristics of the disease, which differ according as the 

 attack is acute or chronic. 



Acute dyspepsia generally arises from the ingestion of irritating 

 food, or indeed of any alimentary substances in too great quantity. 

 Errors of diet thus committed are sometimes followed by a sense of 

 distention and uneasiness at the pit of the stomach, which is very 

 sensitive to pressure ; foetid eructations, nausea, and occasional 

 vomiting ; colicky pain of the abdomen ; diarrhoea. The tongue is 

 foul and loaded, the patient suffers from a " sick headache," and a 

 variety of secondary symptoms present themselves. The treatment 

 of this form, which often occurs in healthy individuals, is extremely 

 simple. If we have reason to believe that the offending matters 

 have passed into the intestinal canal, the administration of one or 

 two drops of croton oil will effect their ejection in the most speedy 

 and efficacious manner. Any other brisk purgative, will, however, 

 act equally well, though more slowly. A purgative enema may also 

 be given with good effects. Where the stomach is evidently the 

 seat of disorder, an emetic should precede the use of purgatives. 



The following are the more common symptoms of chronic dys- 

 pepsia and the most appropriate remedies for them : — 



Simple want of ajipetiie ; often relieved by acids and bitters. 



Voracious or unnatural appetite. — Rhubarb and magnesia, bis- 

 muth, and chalk mixture. 



Acidity, and eructations of acrid matter, causing heartburn. — 

 Small doses of soda and arnmonia, after meals, in aromatic water. 



Flatulence before meals, with loss of appetite. — Small doses of 

 ferri sulph., with pil. rhei c, before meals. 



Flatulence after eating. — Sal volatile. 



Pain when stomach is empty. — Magnesia and bismuth, with a 

 biscuit or crust of bread. 



Pain after eating. — Soda and ammonia ; or bismuth and opium 

 taken a little before eating. 



