RICKETS. (RACHITIS.)
Rickets is a scrofulous disease, in which there is derangement of the entire system, and it finally manifests itself in disease of the bones. It is characterized by a softening of the bony tissue, due to a deficiency of earthy or calcareous matter in their composition. It appears to be a disease incident to cold, damp places, ill-lighted and imperfectly ventilated rooms, and it especially attacks those who are uncleanly in their habits.
The Symptoms of rickets are severe pains in the bones, especially during the night, febrile excitement and profuse perspiration, paleness of the face, a sallow and wrinkled appearance of the skin, and derangement of the digestive organs. After a time the body becomes emaciated, the face pale, and the head unusually large. The bones become soft and unable to support the body; various distortions appear; the extremities of the long bones are enlarged, while the limbs between the joints are very slender. Rickets is a disease peculiar to childhood, though it may not be developed until a more advanced period of life. It rarely proves fatal, unless the lungs, heart, or other vital organs, become involved. In some instances the softening and other symptoms continue to increase until every function is affected, and death ensues.
Post-mortem examinations of those who have died of rickets have disclosed morbid changes in the brain, liver, and lymphatic glands. The lungs are often compressed or displaced, and the muscles of the body become pale and wasted. Sometimes the bones are so soft, on account of the deficiency of the calcareous deposit, that they can be easily cut with a knife.
Treatment. The use of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is indicated in this affection. It is a disease usually developed during childhood, in consequence of insufficient exercise, deprivation of the sunlight, low, innutritious diet, and lack of cleanliness. Therefore, it is essential to obviate all known causes, and, at the same time supply the patient with food rich in those elements which the system seems to demand. Under any plan of treatment the general directions given for the hygienic management of scrofula should be followed. We might cite many cases that have entirely recovered from this disease, under our advice and the use of "Golden Medical Discovery." We shall merely say, for the encouragement of the afflicted, that this form of scrofula yields readily to this medicine.