Outcome.—While the outlook as to complete recovery is very discouraging, yet persons may live and be able to work for years in comparative comfort in many cases. When a physician pronounces the verdict of chronic Bright's disease, it is not by any means equivalent to a death warrant, but the condition is often compatible with many years of usefulness and freedom from serious suffering.
Treatment.—Medicines will no more cure Bright's disease than old age. Out-of-door life in a dry, warm, and equable climate has the most favorable influence upon the cause of chronic Bright's disease, and should always be recommended as a remedial agent when available. Proper diet is of great importance. Cereals, vegetables, an abundance of fat in the form of butter and cream—to the amount of a pint or so a day of the latter, and the avoidance of alcohol and meat, fish and eggs constitute the ideal regimen when this can be carried out. Tea and coffee in much moderation are usually allowable and water in abundance. The underclothing should be of wool the year round, and especial care is essential to avoid chilling of the surface. Medicines have their usefulness to relieve special conditions, but should only be taken at the advice of a physician, whose services should always be secured when available.
Part IV
DISEASE AND DISORDER OF THE
MIND
BY
ALBERT WARREN FERRIS