Hemorrhage from the nose is commonly the result either of a catarrhal or an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucous membrane. Individuals are susceptible to it who are oppressed by fever or constitutional diseases that reduce the strength. There is also a condition of the nervous system in which there is congestion of the nerve centres which favors manifestations of this somewhat troublesome difficulty.
Causes. In some instances an examination of the nose will reveal the presence of a small point of congested vessels, usually about the size of a split pea. Upon this portion of the mucous membrane small scabs form, and at any time when they may be dislodged, by accident or otherwise, a hemorrhage will ensue.
The constitutional conditions that produce the tendency to hemorrhage are most important. In individuals of a debilitated condition, it results from the lack of a proper amount of fibrin in the blood. Where the blood becomes thin, or loses a large share of its red corpuscles, the individual is pale, and hemorrhages are frequent from the mucous surfaces of any portion of the body, the nasal mucous surface being especially liable to such attacks.
Treatment. This is local and constitutional. Where there is constitutional imperfection, it should be remedied. Usually in young women there is some difficulty with the ovarian or uterine circulation, and the attack of hemorrhage from the nose is reflex in its character, appearing just before or at the time of the menstrual flow, accompanied with troublesome headache. The correction of this form is by the use of the "Favorite Prescription" and "Golden Medical Discovery," using of each a teaspoonful three times a day, taking the "Prescription" before meals and the "Discovery" after meals. If the bowels are constipated, the "Pellets" should be employed, in order to overcome any congestion of the liver which favors the manifestation of nosebleed. In children there is usually a debilitated state of the system, which is best remedied by the use of a half teaspoonful dose of the "Discovery," taken three times a day, after meals, with sweetened water. This treatment should be continued for a month or six weeks. By this means the blood-making organs rapidly improve in their activity and functions, the blood becomes rich in corpuscles and fibrin, thus strengthening the walls of the blood-vessels and tending to prevent a hemorrhage following undue excitement or injury. With men the use of laxatives is of great importance. One or more of the "Pellets," taken on retiring at night, are most beneficial. Where the blood is not up to the standard of purity, even though the individual be fleshy, the "Discovery" should be used, a teaspoonful or two, three times a day, after meals, in conjunction with plenty of outdoor exercise and the best of food. Where the hemorrhages occur in those having too much blood, the diet must be corrected by the use of vegetables and fruit, diminishing the amount of meat and pastries to a minimum. The amount of fibrin should also be increased by the use of the "Golden Medical Discovery."
Local Treatment. Of those applied directly to the membrane, Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy, used according to the directions which wrap the bottle, is excellent in bringing about a normal condition of the mucous surfaces. Following this, a small amount of Subnitrate of Bismuth may be snuffed into each nostril. Usually the amount required to cover a three-cent silver piece is sufficient. The powder dries the surface and favors the speedy formation of a coagulum, or clotted covering, which effectually checks any further hemorrhage. The application of a firm compress to the upper lip will also diminish the flow of blood through the arteries that run to the anterior portion of the mucous surface. Good effects often follow the use of a small piece of ice applied to the nape of the neck. This, with a reclining posture, will cause contraction of the blood-vessels. If the Subnitrate of Bismuth is not to be readily obtained, the use of any other powder such as starch, finely divided and baked so as to be free from a tendency to form starch paste when applied to a mucous surface, is equally good. Well-browned flour is also serviceable. The use of the contents of a puff-ball, which contains many millions of fine spores, has been employed from time immemorial. The use of such drying powders tends to favor the speedy formation of clots. Where the small points of engorged vessels are to be readily reached, use a solution of the Tincture of Chloride of Iron, one part in four of water, applying with a small pledget of soft cotton wrapped about, or fastened to, the end of a pencil or stick. In this way the solution may be applied in very small amount to the spot where the hemorrhage appears, and will give immunity from future attacks. Any of the styptics (see pages [320]-[325]) can be called into service. Those who have the advantage of the city drug store may use a solution of basic ferric sulphate (Monsell's solution), or the spray of a three or four per cent. solution of cocaine. The latter is one of the most pleasant and effective remedies in these emergencies. Before its administration the nasal cavity should be cleansed by snuffing up the nostrils salt and warm water. When washed, immediately apply the spray. If the constitutional condition which led to the hemorrhage continues, the general remedies—of which the "Golden Medical Discovery" is the most efficacious—should be administered. This agent increases the number of red blood corpuscles, and enriches the blood in fibrin, so that the relief obtained is absolutely permanent.
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. (GASTRITIS.)
Gastritis is generally defined as an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach. However, the cellular, muscular, and serous tissues are all liable to be more or less affected. Gastritis may be either acute or chronic. Either form is a distinct modification of disease, manifesting peculiar symptoms and requiring special remedies.
Acute Gastritis generally occurs as a result or complication of other diseases. It is an occasional feature In scarlatina, serious cases of bilious fever, and in cutaneous affections of every description. The mucous membrane of the stomach is placed in intimate communication with all the vital organs, by means of the nerves of the solar-plexus, hence the sympathy between the stomach and skin, and the morbid condition of the stomach occasioned by disease of other organs.
The Early Symptoms of acute gastritis are a burning sensation in the stomach, accompanied by nausea and frequent vomiting. The respiratory movements are rapid and shallow, the pulse is hard and short, and as the disease progresses, becomes small, frequent, and thready. The tongue usually retains its natural appearance, but it is sometimes dry and tinged with a vivid scarlet at the tip and edges. Intense thirst and hiccough are occasional symptoms. The facial expression is haggard, and indicative of the most intense suffering. The stomach will not retain the mildest liquids. In the early stages of the disease, the ejections consist of chyme and mucus, streaked with blood. As it progresses, the vomiting becomes a sort of regurgitation, the contents of the stomach being ejected without any apparent nausea or effort. The ejections then consist of a dark-colored granular matter, resembling what is known in yellow fever as black-vomit.
Causes. Formerly it was supposed that this was a very common disorder, and the term acute gastritis was applied to every development of symptomatic fever. But late clinical and pathological investigations clearly indicate that acute gastritis is of rare occurrence. It may be caused by the excessive and habitual use of alcoholic drinks, especially if taken without food, by copious draughts of cold water, or by intense emotions. But its general cause is the ingestion of irritating and corrosive poisons.