50 RHEUMATISM. 



the fault of a parent; overwork may bring on an attack 

 in such. Even those born with a gouty tendency may, 

 however, usually escape if careful in their habits. 



Gout is not merely painful but dangerous. It often 

 attacks the heart, causing sudden death. 



5. Rheumatism is a name given to different diseases. 

 In rheumatism of the joints, or rheumatic fever, the liga- 

 ments of most of the joints of the body are swollen and 

 inflamed. The inflammation often attacks also the 

 membrane which covers the heart, or the valves inside it 

 (Chap. XIII.), sometimes leaving incurable heart-disease 

 when the rheumatism itself has gone. 



The most common cause of rheumatic fever is pro- 

 longed exposure of the skin, especially if it be hot and 

 perspiring, to chilling while the body is at rest. There- 

 fore, when warm, especially avoid sitting in a draught. 

 Exposure to cold air when exercising, or a plunge 

 into cold water for a few minutes' swim, will not cause 

 the disease; but sitting still in a current of air or in 

 wet clothes, or sleeping in damp sheets, is apt to do so. 



It is also well to know that rheumatic fever is more 

 common, and more apt to cause heart-disease, in young 

 persons than in old. 



Chronic or permanent rheumatism may attack either the 

 joints or the muscles. It makes the joints stiff, painful, 

 and finally useless. The most frequent form of chronic 

 rheumatism of the muscles is lumbago, in which the lum- 

 bar muscles in the lower part of the back are affected. 

 Exposure to cold and wet is. its most common cause; but 



5. How are the joints affected in rheumatic fever? The heart? 

 How is this disease commonly produced ? Why specially dangerous 

 to the young? What parts does chronic rheumatism attack? Its 

 effects on the joints ? What is lumbago ? Usual causes ? 



