CHAPTER VIII. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 



Examination.— The stomach can be examined as follows: 

 1 . By the character, condition and quantity of the contents, 

 which may be obtained : (a) By the use of an emetic (apo- 

 morphin 0.0016.-0.003 etc.), (6) by natural vomiting, (c) by 

 the use of a stomach tube or (d) through gastrotomy (see 

 Foreign Bodies in the Stomach). 



2. Palpation over the region of the stomach will cause 

 pain in acute inflammatory conditions, although this may 

 be confused with painful conditions of the liver, peritonitis 

 and enteritis. 



3. By performing laparotomy and making a direct exami- 

 nation of the stomach. The mucous membrane may also 

 be examined directly by performing gastrotomy. 



GASTRITIS. 



Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach. The following 

 forms are recognized: (a) Acute, and (b) chronic. 



Acute Gastritis. — Simple Catarrh of the Stomach. Acute 

 Dyspepsia.— Definition.— An acute catarrhal inflammation 

 of the mucous membrane of the stomach which may involve 

 the entire wall. 



Etiology.— Acute catarrhal gastritis is usually due to errors 

 in diet. The ingestion of more food than can be digested, 

 irregular feeding, or eating unsuitable food, which is partially 

 decomposed containing ptomaines (cadavers, garbage, etc.), 

 and hard pieces of bone, cartilage and tendon are very com- 

 mon causes of this condition. Injuries to the epigastrium 

 (kicks, blows, and being run over by vehicles, etc.). 



Chemical. — Various chemical substances (phenol, arsenic, 

 mercury, phosphorus, etc.) when taken accidentally or 



