Treatment.—­The same as that given for endocarditis.  Absolute rest is necessary.  A good nourishing diet must be given and a doctor is always needed.

Phlebitis, inflammation of the veins.—­Causes.—­Some irritation of the vein, as a puncture or any other injury accompanied by infection.

Symptoms.—­Pain and tenderness along the course of the vein with discolored skin and acute swelling (watery) below the obstruction.  Pulse rapid, high temperature, chills, dry and brown tongue and pain.

Treatment.—­Absolute quiet is necessary, with the affected limb elevated.  Lead and laudanum wash should be applied, or hot antiseptic fomentations if an abscess is forming.  An abscess should be opened, keep up the patient’s strength.

[346 Mothers’ remedies]

Varicose veins (Varix).—­This term means an enlarged, elongated, tortuous, knotty condition of the veins.  The term “varicose veins” is restricted in general use to the veins of the extremities, and especially those belonging to the lower extremity.  The disease begins with a slow dilation of the vein, which gradually becomes thickened and tortuous.  The inner lining membrane or coat of the vein is altered, the valves are shortened and thus rendered insufficient to support the column of blood.  The outer coat becomes thickened.  The varicose conditions affect chiefly the superficial veins.

Predisposing Causes.—­They are most frequent in the female sex.  The tendency increases as the age advances.  Obstruction.  Anything that obstructs the full return of blood in the veins, as tight garters below the knee, etc.  Standing work may bring it on.

Exciting Causes.—­Tumors in the pelvis; diseases of the heart and lungs; pregnancy.  These all obstruct the full return of blood in the veins.

Physicians’ treatment for varicose veins.—­Palliative.—­Remove the cause if possible.  Treat the heart and lung troubles.  Remove the pelvic tumors.  In pregnancy, the woman afflicted with this trouble should not be much on her feet, but should remain lying down in bed as much as possible.  This position removes the weight of the pregnant womb from the veins and allows a free return of the venous blood.  An elastic bandage, or a perfectly fitting elastic stocking, supports the veins, equalizes the circulation and turns the flow to the deeper veins, which do not, as a rule, become varicose.  This silk stocking should be made to order.  This treatment gives much comfort in chronic varicose veins.

DISEASES OF THE EYE AND EAR

The first thing we notice in looking at the eye may be the lids and at each edge are the eyelashes.  When this edge becomes inflamed it is called Blenharitis Marginalis or inflammation of the margin of the eyelids.  It is called thus from the name of the eyelid “Blepharon;” It is always means inflammation.