Diseases > Domestic medicine

DOMESTIC MEDICINE-
generally a fatal symptom, as it shews that the lungs
are affected.
In an ascitet, besides the above symptoms, there
is a swelling ot the belly, and often a fluctuation,
which may be perceived by striking the belly on one
side, and laying the palm of the hand on the opposite.
This may be distinguished from a tympany by the
weight of the swelling, as well as by the fluctuation.
When the anasarca and ascitet are combined, the
case is very dangerous. Even a simple ascites seldom
admits of a radical cure. Almost all that can be
done is to let off the water by tapping, which seldom
affords more than temporary relief.
When the disease comes suddenly on, and the
patient is young and strong, there is reason however
to hope for a cure, especially if medicine be given
early. But if the patient be old, has led an irregular
or a sedentary life, or if there be reason to suspect
that the liver, lungs, or any of the viscera are un¬
sound, there is great reason to fear that the
consequences will prove fatal.
Regimen.—The patient must abstain, as much as
possible, from all drink, especially weak and watery
liquors, and must quench his thirst v/ith mustard-
whey, or acids, as juice of lemon, oranges, sorrel, or
such like. His aliment ought to be dry, of a sti¬
mulating and diuretic quality, as toasted bread, the
flesh of birds, or other wild animals roasted ; pungent
and aromatic vegetables, as garlic, mustard, onions,
cresses, horse radish, rocambole, shalot, See. He may
also eat sea biscuit dipped in wine or a little brandy.
This is not only nourishing, but tends to quench
thirst. Some have been actually cured of a dropsy
by a total abstinence from all liquids, and living
entirely upon such things as are mentioned above.
If the patient must have drink, the Spa-water, or