Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886 edition. Excerpt: ... part ii.-treatment. chapter xxi. the treatment of acute nephritis. In acute nephritis more rapid relief will be effected if the recumbent position be maintained. The efficacy of rest in diminishing the exudation of albumin has often been demonstrated. Bartels (in "Ziemssen") gives an account of a case of chronic interstitial nephritis in a young man, in which the occurrence of albumin in the urine could always be prevented by keeping the patient in bed, the albumin invariably returning when the patient sat up. There is no reason why, even in comparatively mild cases of acute nephritis, the same injurious effects should not be produced upon the acutely inflamed kidney by movement, as is produced in pneumonia, hepatitis, etc. Rest in acute nephritis is of the greatest importance. I have met with a number of cases in the convalescent stage in which the albumin had nearly disappeared, but would be temporarily brought back by sitting up or by moderate exercise in the room. Whatever increases the activity of the heart's action must affect the activity of the renal circulation, bringing about albuminous exudation, perhaps in the manner described in Chapter viii. From the facts there given, the effects, even in health, of great exertion upon albuminous exudation are apparent. The patient, until safety is assured, should be kept in bed. Dietetic Measures. Highly nitrogenized food should be avoided, such, for instance, as tends to excessive formation of uric acid. At the same time due regard must be had to supporting the patient's strength. Light animal broths can generally be given, while oysters and milk may be partaken of freely. Sometimes fowl or game maybe given, and fish may be freely eat