Foods and dietaries : a manual of clinical dietetics / by R.W. Burnet.

  • Burnet, R. W.
Date:
1890
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Foods and dietaries : a manual of clinical dietetics / by R.W. Burnet. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in gastric congestion and catarrh, resulting from disease of liver, heart, or kidneys. It may be induced by over- indulgence in alcoholic stimulants, and it is especially common in those who are in the habit of taking spirits on an empty stomach. In persons in whom the predisposition exists, frequently recurring or continued irregularities in diet, such as eating things of known indigestibility, hurry- ing over meals, working close up to and immediately after a full meal, are sufficient to induce an attack. Worry and anxiety are also common causes; and we have not in- frequently seen this condition, which is undoubtedly often connected with the gouty state, alternating with outbursts of eczema. Irritability of the Mucous Membrane. — From what has been said of the symptoms, it is evident that the condition we are here called upon to deal with is one in which there is great irritability of the mucous membrane. In these circumstances, if the food be bulky, so as to distend the stomach; if it be harsh, lumpy, and coarse, so that it irritates this tender surface; if it be highly seasoned with spices and condiments, the hyper-sensitive stomach will turn against it, the vessels will contract, the follicles will refuse their contents, mucus will be poured out; and if that be not sufficient to protect its walls and to allay the increased irritation, vomiting will ensue, and the whole contents of the stomach will speedily be rejected. Even if the stomach does not thus summarily get rid of its burden, the food will remain for a long time undigested, giving rise to flatulence, weight at the epigastrium, and a sense of fatigue and depression in place of strength and refreshment will ensue. Small Quantities of Food at Short Intervals. — In such circumstances as these, food must be given in very bland, easily digestible forms, in smaller quantities at a time than in health, and at shorter intervals of time. Moreover, the food must be partaken of very slowly. If the symptoms be severe, the rules will be the same as for a case of gastric