Observations on influenza : its nature and consequences, as it appeared in the author's practice, during its recent prevalence in Newcastle upon Tyne, and at former periods in Edinburgh / by George Fife.

Date:
1833
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on influenza : its nature and consequences, as it appeared in the author's practice, during its recent prevalence in Newcastle upon Tyne, and at former periods in Edinburgh / by George Fife. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    monly accompanied by a greater or less degree of mental depression. This latter feeling is, in a vast number of cases, dependent on some derange- ment of the function of the liver, and seldom yields to any means excepting those which are calculated to obviate such disordered action ; until this biliary derangement is removed, it is obvious that no amelioration of the condition of the patient can be reasonably expected. This change will be most readily effected by small doses of blue pill, with rhubarb or colocynth, and where irritation of the mucous membrane is present, to these may be added a little of the extract of hyoscyamus. When- ever this end is obtained, we may commence the use of tonics; but when cough continues, with acceleration of pulse, considerable caution is re- quired in their exhibition. The tonics or bitters best adapted to convalescents from Influenza are quinine, calomba and quassia; in cases where tendency to scrofulous or glandular affections shews itself, more benefit may be derived from some of the metallic or earthy salts, as those of iron and lime. To these measures must be added a nutritious light diet, exercise in the open air, and clothing adapted to the season of the year, and habits of the patient. When local symptoms have been entirely subdued, immense advantage accrues from cold sea bathing. Where the patient has previously been accustomed to the use of sti- mulants, these may be allowed in moderation : of