Diseases of the Stomach. 6'/ 



ingly anxious, the moans more frequent, and, the search for 

 relief continuous. Severe rigors, cold extremities, sunken 

 eye,arapid and almost imperceptible pulse, sudden cessation 

 of pain, denote that gangrene has set in, and the poor 

 sufferer dies gradually and quietly, or in delirium. 



A post-mortem examination reveals intense redness, either 

 in patches or diffused, of the mucous membrane, with soften- 

 ing of its structure and sometimes sloughing. If the 

 disease has been caused by the action of some corrosive 

 agent, perforation of all the coats of the stomach, with exten- 

 sive sloughing, will generally be found. 



Treatment. — The less the patient is disturbed the better. 

 In the early stages leeches may be applied over the region 

 of the stomach. Cold water should be allowed ad libitum, 

 for nothing is more grateful to the sufferer and so easily 

 retained in the stomach, which, it must ever be borne in 

 mind, is exceedingly sensitive under all conditions. 

 Nourishment is best administered in the form of mucilagi- 

 nous drinks, as barley-water, arrowroot, or broth thickened 

 with isinglass or rice. Such matters, being bland, have the 

 double effect of soothing and protecting the irritated mu- 

 cous membrane, and giving to the patient at the same time 

 the support required.* 



With regard to medicinal agents, opium, from 3 to 10 

 grains, is the best agent for allaying an irritated or sensitive 

 condition of the stomach, and also in checking diarrhoea. 



* Ballard observes : " In prescribing a diet in over-sensitive con- 

 ditions of the stomach, it must be recollected that the food which comes 

 into contact with the interior of the organ is to be regarded much in 

 the same light as a local application made to tender parts of the body ; 

 and as we should avoid bringing in contact with the latter any but 

 bland and unirritating dressings, so with the former a similar principle 

 must guide us, and we must select such matters only, and in such 

 quantities as^ while they are fitted to sustain the body, would be un- 

 irritating if applied to an external sore, and which experience has 

 shown may be used, introduced into the sensitive stomach without 

 producing pain or distress. 



" In inflammatory and ulcerative conditions of the stomach, where 

 F— 2 



