110 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY 



domen which must not be confused with an ordinary stomach 

 ache due to improper eating. 



Appendicitis. We have already noticed the vermiform 

 appendix (Fig. 52) which opens into the large intestine 

 by a small aperture. It occasionally happens that an in- 

 flammation starts in the appendix; it becomes swollen, and 

 its blood vessels expand, causing pain and soreness on the 

 right side of the abdomen, which shows the presence of 

 appendicitis. This disease is a very serious one; for if pus 

 accumulates in the appendix and it is not drained off through the 

 lumen into the intestine, the appendix is likely to burst, the 

 pus escaping freely into the abdominal cavity. When this 

 occurs it is commonly followed by general peritonitis, with fatal 

 results. The serious nature of the trouble makes it advisable 

 to consult a physician when symptoms such as above described 

 are felt. The majority of cases may be cured by the removal 

 of the appendix, a surgical operation which, if 

 performed in time, involves little danger. 



The real inciting causes of peritonitis and appen- 

 dicitis are not yet thoroughly understood and at 

 present we know of no rules for avoiding them. 

 FIG. 59. TY- Typhoid Fever. Typhoid fever is caused by 

 PHOID BA- fa e entrance into the intestine of a well known 

 The* of k ac "k ernim (Fig. 59) which grows abundantly there 

 typhoid fe- and excretes poisons which affect the body tissues. 

 ver - There are certain definite symptoms of the disease, 



one of which is a fever that may last several weeks. Doctors can 

 do little to cure it beyond maintaining the strength of the 

 body so that the person may have the power to drive off the 

 trouble himself. It is one of the most serious illnesses, and it 

 causes many deaths each year. About 10% of those taking the 

 disease die, and many others are incapacitated for work by 

 it for weeks or months, and sometimes permanently. It is 

 more common in the fall than at any other season. 



The sources from which one is liable to obtain typhoid 



