PROCTITIS.
Inflammation of the rectum, like any other phlegmasia, may arise traumatically or idiopathically; by contiguity of structure or continuity of surface. The acute symptoms are very much like acute dysentery, which disease, in my opinion, nearly always extends to the rectum, causing the characteristic symptoms of weight, tenesmus and straining at stool.
Irritable rectum in the absence of diarrhœa is diagnostic of the complaint. The bladder and prostate may be affected through sympathy, and colicky pain reflected to the small intestines or stomach. In the more chronic forms, constipation, tenderness and the cul-de-sac partially filled with mucous are distinguishing features.
Carbolized hot water irrigation, prepared hot corn starch, slippery elm water, bismuth, etc, together with a suppository of iodoform, bismuth and opium, or bismuth, opium, belladonna and calomel, will be found serviceable in the acute stage. About a half tumbler full of a saturated solution of chlorate of potash, injected slowly and retained for ten or fifteen minutes, is said to effect a cure by one or two injections.
Chronic proctitis, also called irritable rectum, and sometimes rectal catarrh, with symptoms that might be expected to emanate from a disease of the mucous membrane, rarely amounting to a diffuse thickening of the rectal walls, is treated similarly, except less palliative. Combinations of eucalyptol, iodoform and bismuth; or eucalyptol ½ dr., oxide of zinc 1 dr., vaseline 1 oz., are highly recommended after the rectal douche.
Some physicians hold that chronic inflammation of the rectum is a disease of more frequent occurrence than all other rectal diseases combined. And equally as pernicious, causing many functional and even organic troubles through reflex action.
FLUSHING THE COLON.
I have always been loath to admit the value of a thing which did not come from an authoritative source. A little retrospective medicine, however, is sufficient to teach any of us that many important discoveries have been made without the free-will and full consent of “acknowledged authorities;” and that it is not positively necessary for progressive physicians to first obtain their permission before being allowed to think and act for themselves.
Flushing the colon is a discovery of intrinsic worth, brought to notice in an irregular way, and has its place as a remedial agent with which every physician should become familiar. If you doubt its efficacy, and want a free evacuation of the bowels without taking physic, lie on the back and inject into the rectum slowly with a bulb-syringe one-half gallon or more of hot water, and you will get it inside of fifteen minutes.