851. Convulsions—Are generally symptomatic, and, for the most part, in children, occasioned by the growth of their teeth: therefore, the gums should be carefully examined, to ascertain whether they arise from this cause; if so, the lancet should be immediately and freely used, to divide the gum down to the teeth. This operation is not painful, nor in the least degree hazardous, therefore ought not to be delayed.
852. Dentition.—There is no period in infancy that requires more skill and attention, than that which passes from the first movement of the teeth in their sockets, to their subsequent advance through the gums. At the birth of the child, the teeth are lodged within the jaw-bones, and enveloped by a membrane or bag, which is distended as the teeth enlarge and press forward, frequently attended with pain, fever, diarrhea, and convulsions. These symptoms first appear towards the end of the third month, when the child is said to be breeding its teeth: they arise from the first enlargement of the teeth in their sockets, and subside as soon as they pass above the jaw. Between the sixth and ninth month, the teeth as they rise, press upon the gums, when the same train of symptoms take place. Some children suffer very little pain during this process; others suffer most severely: this depends chiefly on the nerves being more or less irritable. When the child preserves its appetite and cheerfulness, and is free from fever, no medicine can be required, except what may be necessary to obviate costiveness. This should be carefully attended to, as nothing tends more effectually to relieve or prevent the symptoms of dentition, than a free discharge from the bowels.
An increased secretion of saliva marks the first advance of the teeth, followed, in irritable habits, by diarrhea, fever, thirst, and convulsions. The use of the gum-lancet should not be neglected, whenever the symptoms are urgent. The parents frequently object to this mode of relief, conceiving it to be a painful operation. As a proof of the contrary, children that have once been relieved by it, will eagerly press their gums upon the lancet. If the tooth should not appear after the first use of the lancet, the incision may be frequently repeated.
The symptoms may be relieved by the following emetic:—Take of tartar-emetic, one grain; dissolve it in two ounces of distilled water. Dose, two tea-spoonfuls every half-hour, until it excites vomiting.
This remedy will relax the tension of the gums, and lessen the force of the fever.
If the habit of the child should be costive, the mildest purgatives should be employed, to occasion two or more motions daily—such as manna, dissolved in common mint-water; or senna-tea; or the following:—Take of senna leaves, one drachm; the yellow rind of the lemon, eight grains: boil them in two ounces of water; strain off the liquor, when cold; and give a dessert-spoonful as a dose for children three or four months old. Or, take manna and fresh-drawn oil of sweet almonds, of each, one ounce; syrup of roses, two ounces: mix them together. Dose, a dessert-spoonful.
853. The Croup—At its commencement has the appearance of common catarrh, but speedily assumes its peculiar character, which is marked by hoarseness, with a shrillness and ringing sound in coughing and breathing; so shrill is the noise made by the child, that it resembles the sound of air forced through a tube of brass. This inflammation, seated in the membrane which lines the windpipe, is attended with stricture, difficult respiration, cough, quick pulse, heat, and a flushed countenance.
This disease comes on suddenly, and is extremely rapid in its progress; therefore, vigorous measures must be instantly adopted. Give an emetic, then apply a blister across the throat, and keep the bowels open with laxative injections.