INWARD FITS.
In these fits the infant appears as if asleep, the eyelids however are not quite closed, but frequently twinkle and shew the whites turned upwards. The muscles of the face are sometimes slightly distorted, the mouth having the appearance of a laugh or smile. The breath is sometimes very quick, and at others stops for a time; whilst the eyelids and lips are alternately pale and dark. The infant startles on the least noise, and sighs deeply, or breaks wind. This relieves him for a little, but he soon relapses into a doze. Whenever the above-mentioned symptoms are observed, it will be right to awaken the infant, by stirring or otherwise, and to rub its back and belly well before the fire, until wind escapes. At the same time it will be proper to give half a tea-spoonful of drink or pap, containing two drops of oil of anise or caraways. As soon after as possible, a purgative of castor oil, or a grain or two of calomel (according to the age,) with two or three grains of rhubarb, is to be given, to empty the bowels of whatever crude matter may occasion the disorder.
THE RICKETS.
This disorder affects the bones of children, and causes a considerable protuberance, incurvation, or distortion of them. It may arise from various causes, but more particularly when proper care has not been taken with children: when they have been too tightly swathed in some parts, and too loose in others; keeping them too long in one and the same position; and not keeping them clean and dry. Sometimes it may proceed from a lax habit, and at others from costiveness.
It usually appears about the eighth or ninth month, and continues till the sixth or seventh year of the child’s age. The head becomes large, and the fontanelle keeps long open; the countenance is full and florid; the joints knotty and distorted, especially about the wrists; less near the ancles. The ribs protuberate, and grow crooked; the belly swells; a cough and disorder of the lungs succeed; and the child moves but weakly, and waddles in walking.
Regimen, &c.
The regimen should be light and properly seasoned; the air dry and clear. Exercise and motion should be encouraged, and bandages, as well as instruments, contrived to keep the limbs in a proper situation; but care should be taken that they be so formed as not to put the child to pain, or restrain it too much.
Cold sea-bathing is of infinite use; after which friction should be used, and the child placed between two blankets, so as to encourage perspiration. The back should be well rubbed with opodeldoc, or good old rum, every night.
A few grains of ipecacuanha or calomel may occasionally be proper, and chalybeates are also very serviceable.
A decoction of Peruvian bark is also good with red wine: and should be used with moderation in the forenoon and after dinner.