Diseases > Domestic medicine

432 BUCHAN’S
with the night-mare. Nothing tends more to p.odure
it than heavy suppers, especially when eaten late, or
the patient goes to bed soon after. Wind is likewise
a very frequent cause of this disease; for which
reason those who are afflicted with it ought to avoid
all flatulent food. Deep thought, anxiety, or any
thing that oppresses the mind, ought also to be
avoided.
As persons afflicted with the night-mare generally
moan, or make some noise in the fit, they should be
waked, or spoken to by such as hear them, as the
uneasiness generally goes off as soon as the patient is
awake. Dr. Whytt says he generally found a dram
of brandy, taken at bed-time, prevent this disease.
That however is a bad custom, and in time loses its
effect. We would rather have the patient depend
upon the use of food of easy digestion, cheerfulness,
exercise through the day, and a light supper taken
early, than to accustom himself to drams. A glass
of peppermint-water will often promote digestion as
much as a glass of brandy, and is much safer. After
a person of weak digestion, however, has eaten
flatulent food, a dram may be necessary; in this
case we would recommend it as the most proper
medicine.
Persons who are young, and full of blood, if
troubled with the night-mare, ought to take a purge
frequently, and use a spare diet.
SWOONINGS.
People of weak nerves or delicate constitutions are
liable to swoonings or fainting fits. These indeed
are seldom dangerous when duly attended to ; but
when wholly neglected, or improperly treated, they
often prove hurtful, and sometimes fatal.
The general causes of swoonings are, sudden tran-