In the arterio-sclerotic variety the urine may be normal or diminished in quantity, specific gravity normal or increased, the casts are more numerous, and the albumin is usually more abundant.  There is an enlargement of the heart; the pulse is increased in tension; the wall of the artery is thickened.  The skin is usually dry, with eczema common, but dropsy is rare, except when it is due to heart failure.  There may be bronchial and lung troubles; attacks of uraemia, or hard breathing caused by the heart, frequently occurs.  There may be hemorrhage of the brain or hemorrhage of the membranes, and these are often fatal.

[160 Mothers’ remedies]

Recovery.—­Chances are unfavorable, but life may be prolonged for years, especially with care and especially if it is discovered early.

Treatment.—­A quiet life without mental worry, with gentle but not excessive exercise, and residence in a climate that is not changeable should be recommended.  A business man must give up his worry; his rush; his hurried eating, and rest.  The bowels should be kept regular; there should be a tepid water bath daily, and the kidneys should be kept acting freely by drinking daily a definite amount of either distilled water or some pleasant mineral water.  Alcohol, tobacco, excessive eating and improper food must not be allowed.  Weak tea and coffee may be allowed.  The diet should be light and nourishing.  Meat should not be taken more than once a day.  If it is possible, the patient should be urged to move to a warm equable climate during the winter months, from November to April, like that of southern California.  Medicines must be given to meet the indications.  No special directions can be given.  The heart, stomach, and bowels must be watched.

Diet as Allowed by a Prominent Hospital.—­

May Take:—­

Soups.—­Broths with rice or barley, vegetable or fish soup.

Fish.—­Boiled or broiled fresh fish, raw oysters, raw clams.

Meats.—­Chicken, game, fat bacon, fat ham (sparingly).

Farinaceous.—­Hominy, oatmeal, wheaten grits, rice, stale bread, whole wheat bread, toast, milk toast, biscuits, maccaroni.

Vegetables.—­Cabbage, spinach, celery, water-cresses, lettuce, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, onions.

Desserts.—­Rice and milk puddings, stewed fruits, raw ripe fruits.

Must Not Take:—­

Fried fish, pork, corned beef, veal, heavy bread, hashes, stews, battercakes, lamb, beef, mutton, gravies, peas, beans, pastry, ice cream, cakes, coffee, tobacco, malt or spirituous liquors.

[Kidney and bladder 161]

Pyelitis.—­This is an inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and may be caused by bacteria from the blood, or by ascending pus, infection or tuberculous infection from the lower tracts like the ureter, bladder and urethra.

Symptoms.—­There is pain in the back, with tenderness and pressure, cloudy-looking urine, either acid or alkaline, containing pus, mucus, and sometimes red blood cells; chills, high fever, and sweating occur.  This may become chronic and then it becomes quite serious.  Anemia and emaciation are then marked.  Mild cases usually recover; pus cases may end in other diseases or death from exhaustion.