Treatment.—Antimony is the best and indeed the sole remedy, but it can be given only by a medical man, so that nothing further need be said here regarding it.
Liver, Congestion of:—
The Liver, which is mainly on the right side, lies below the right lung, and is protected by the lower ribs. In health it extends vertically from one-and-a-half inches below the right nipple to the lower edge of the ribs; in certain diseases it is enlarged, and its edge can be felt well below the ribs.
Congestion of the liver is frequent in the tropics, and is often due to malaria or dysentery. Very frequently it is caused by abuse of alcohol, over-indulgence in food, and the excessive use of hot condiments, or by constipation and want of exercise. In the tropics the liver is more easily affected by excesses than in temperate climates.
Symptoms.—A furred tongue, sallowness of the face, headache, lassitude, disinclination for work, loss of appetite, tendency to vomit, occasional slight jaundice, and a sense of oppression about the region of the liver.
Treatment.—Light diet, abstinence from alcohol and spices, and the use of calomel or other aperient will usually effect a cure. Ammonium chloride, five to ten grains, three times a day, should be given.
Liver, Acute Inflammation of:—
In this complaint there is severe pain, some fever, and frequently jaundice. The complaint is serious, as abscess of the liver frequently follows it, at least if it is due to amœbic dysentery.
Treatment.—The patient should be put to bed, hot fomentations applied to the seat of pain, and the bowels well relieved. Emetine should be at once administered as for dysentery, or ten grains of ipecacuanha should be given three times a day. Ammonium chloride in full doses (twenty grains three times a day) often does good, and can be retained when ipecacuanha cannot, but it is unpleasant to take, so the dose should be given in one or two ounces of water. The wisest course for one who has had a severe inflammation of the liver is to get away to a healthy climate.