Page 149 - My FlipBook

INFLAMMATION. 147 ;
When the affection is not of a serious character, such symp-
toms as are especially troublesome may be relieved ; but when
the nervous and vascular systems are affected, both locally and
generally, then it is necessary that the proper measures for their
relief be promptly taken.
Where mucous membrane is the seat of the affection, it is often
possible to remove the exciting cause. There are also many in-
flammatory affections met with, where, from the beginning, there
is a diminished action of the heart, and a depressed state of the
nervous centres. In the treatment of such cases, the depressed
condition of the general system chiefly requires attention, as the
progress and termination of the local affection depend upon the
cause from which it has originated.
There are also morbid states not necessarily dependent on
organic disease. Various acids are produced by the fermentation
of substances containing starch or sugar, and there is reason for
believing that an increased secretion of acid may take place from
the mucous membrane of the stomach and produce symptoms
of acidity independently of fermentation, although one of the
properties of the gastric fluid is to prevent fermentation. The
symptoms of acidity are a sour taste, and the occurrence of acid
eructations, often accompanied with heartburn, and sometimes
with diarrhoea, and a feeling of sinking at the epigastrium.
In these cases the causes must be sought for, and such treat-
ment instituted as will neutralize the acidity and stimulate the
peptic glands to an increased secretion of the digestive fluid
also such as will regulate the bowels. Due attention must also
be given to the diet, which should consist of such substances as
will not readily ferment, and all food containing starch should be
avoided.
Although topical remedies are more generally employed in the
treatment of dental affections, yet there are many diseases of the
oral cavity which are due to remote causes and require constitu-
tional as well as local treatment.
The appearances presented by the mucous membrane of the
mouth are valuable, as indicating the state of other parts more
remote J and it is frequently the case that, when the constitutional