=Definition.=—An acute, catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane
of the stomach and intestines, with some disturbance of the sympathetic
ganglia. This is a disease of childhood during the first dentition.
=Etiology= and =Pathology=.—Probably due to the poisonous products
of decomposing and fermenting foods acting upon the system. The
predisposing causes are hot weather, dentition, bad hygiene, the
previous presence of some slight dyspeptic derangement, dyspeptic
diarrhea, and enterocolitis.
The =pathological= changes are similar to the morbid anatomy of
catarrhal gastritis and enteritis. The serous discharges and rapid
collapse are due to the intense irritation of the sympathetic system.
The kidneys and liver may become involved, and bronchopneumonia is a
possible complication.
=Symptoms.=—The disease is of sudden onset, setting in with severe
vomiting, which is increased by giving food or drink. The stools
are copious and frequent, at first containing some offensive fecal
matter, and later becoming watery, and odorless. There is decided
fever, reaching as high as 105 degrees. The pulse is rapid and feeble,
ranging from 130 to 160. Prostration, pinched features, hollow eyes,
depressed fontanelles and loss of weight are characteristic symptoms.
The tongue is coated at first, but soon becomes dry and red, and
thirst is intense. Even at this time a reaction may set in, but more
commonly death results with symptoms of collapse and high temperature.
In other cases there are restlessness, convulsions and coma. As there
is no cerebral lesion, this condition is probably due to toxic agents
absorbed from the intestines.
=Diagnosis.=—This is not difficult, as the toxic symptoms, the
severe vomiting, the profuse watery discharge, rapid emaciation and
prostration, and the hyperpyrexia are significant.
=Prognosis.=—Grave, even with the most favorable surroundings, although
in numerous instances osteopaths have successfully treated this
disorder. Much depends upon the promptness of treatment.
=Treatment.=—A change of air, complete rest, removal of all foods
for a short time, and absolute cleanliness are of great importance.
Thorough treatment should be given along the entire spine, particularly
to the splanchnics of the stomach and the intestines, and to the vagi
nerves in the cervical region. Frequent bathing with cool water, or
better still, wrapping the child in cold, wet sheets, will reduce the
hyperpyrexia.
Thorough cleansing of the stomach and intestines with warm water
occasionally gives excellent results. In =collapse= the use of a hot
bath is indicated, followed by wrapping the child warmly in blankets
and placing him in a horizontal position. The food of the child should
consist of peptonized milk, raw beef juice, diluted egg albumin, barley
water and chicken broth. Nourishment should be given gradually, and
=only= after the intense symptoms have subsided.