This is caused by irritation of the kidneys, brought about by those organs being forced to do work which does not properly belong to them.
Congestion is the first step towards chronic or acute inflammation. The second stage is a breaking down or degeneration of the kidney cells. If degeneration has passed a certain point, there is no hope.
TREATMENT.
The only possible cure is to remove the cause. The colon, intestines, stomach and skin must be got into good working order, so that they will do their own work and relieve the poor scapegoat—the kidneys—of unjust burdens. The colon should be constantly and copiously flushed with the “Cascade,” and warm baths frequently taken. The Turkish bath is valuable, especially the home bath described in this book, as the patient’s head, being free, the hot air is not drawn into the lungs.
Every night after flushing the colon inject a pint of warm water and go to bed. It will pass off through the kidneys, cleansing them. If there is acute pain, repeat the injection every two hours until relieved. Hot fomentations applied to the back, over the region of the kidneys, will relieve the pain, and gentle massage in the same locality will be found beneficial.
Avoid sweets, pastries, starchy foods, like potatoes, alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and overfat foods. The diet recommended for dyspepsia is good. Skim milk, buttermilk and whey should be used freely, as they exercise a very beneficial influence on the kidneys. A wet compress worn over night will help draw out the poisonous waste matters.
ASIATIC CHOLERA.
This disease is caused by the presence of a microbe, known as the “comma bacillus,” which manufactures a virulent poison, called a ptomaine. Although the germs are taken into the system through the medium of the mouth and stomach, they only multiply in the bowels, which is proved by the fact that the vomit from a cholera patient contains none, while the discharges from the bowels abound with them. If the system is in perfect condition the germs are destroyed by the gastric juice in the stomach as soon as inhaled. If the stomach is out of order the bacilli escape into the intestines, where the fluids are alkaline (in which they thrive) and cholera is the result. The symptoms are, first a slight diarrhœa, almost painless, then tremors, vertigo and nausea. Gripping pains and repressed circulation follow, then copious purging of the intestines, followed by discharges of a thin watery fluid, lividity of the lips, cold breath and an unquenchable thirst.