Jaundice, which is a condition in which the skin and mucous membranes assume a yellow colour, may be due to various causes. One of the commonest forms is that known as catarrhal jaundice, which is induced by chill, exposure, dietetic disturbances, etc. It should be treated by calomel and salines. Violent purges are to be avoided. Bismuth and bicarbonate of soda should be given, and the diet should be regulated and should consist of simple and bland articles of food, free, as far as possible, from fats.
There is a form of jaundice associated with infective conditions, such as the enteric fevers, dysentery, malaria, relapsing fever and yellow fever. In these cases the jaundice is to be treated like the catarrhal form, and the accompanying condition requires attention.
In addition to the above there is a camp or infectious jaundice, the nature of which is somewhat obscure, but which is associated with a considerable degree of illness.
Symptoms.—The condition commonly begins with shivering, a rise of temperature, headache, giddiness, general malaise, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, nausea, and it may be vomiting. The tongue is coated, and there may be pains in the back and legs. The jaundice usually lasts from seven to nine days, and about the fifth day the temperature falls, though there may be a secondary fever.
Prophylaxis.—So far as we know at present this is a question of enforcing good sanitary surroundings, and paying special attention to the hygiene of food and drinks, which should be guarded from the access of flies.
Treatment.—This is entirely symptomatic and should be that of any ordinary febrile attack, together with the measures employed in catarrhal jaundice. There is a severe form of jaundice of an infective nature which is associated with the presence of a parasite in the blood, very like that of yellow fever, and which apparently is derived from infected rats. This form of jaundice is, however, not very common and need not be further considered, especially as it requires skilled medical attendance.
Laryngitis, or Inflammation of the Upper Part of the Windpipe.
The organ of the voice is called the “larynx.”
When the windpipe is affected it is somewhat tender on pressure, there is hoarseness, cough, and pain in swallowing. Treatment similar to that for cold in the head may be adopted; in addition, the upper part of the front of the throat should be kept well poulticed for a day or two, and then wrapped up in cotton wool for some days longer. A piece of mustard leaf covered with six layers of a handkerchief and secured by a bandage, can usually be borne for a considerable time, and is often more efficacious than the poultice; when the smarting is great the mustard leaf should be removed and the tender part smeared with oil or vaseline.
Inhalations of steam are of use in promoting expectoration. Carbonate of ammonia, three grains, or bicarbonate of potash, five grains, with half to two grains of ipecacuanha, will help to promote secretion from the affected part. A teaspoonful of Friar’s balsam in a pint of hot water makes a good inhalation.