HEALTH HINTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 153, 27 June 1908, Page 13

HEALTH HINTS.

I BRIG*HTS iISEASE. v This affection may appear in an acute or chronic form, either of which is dan- [ gerons. The acute fbnri is frequently a complication or sequel of scarlet fever, diphtheria, cholera, typhoid fever, eryi sipelas, or measles, and is sometimes (developed by intemperance. This(.'form is very ; rapid in its progress, and is apt to destroy life by" uraemic poisoning— the retention of urea the system. The symptoms Of the acute form area diminution or suppression of . urine, dry skin, chills, thirst, pains in .the loins, and general dropsy.. An examination of the urine shows' the presence of albumen. Unless promptly relieved, the patient dies from coma- Or convulsions. "No person should be so rash astO attempt the management of ; this"' affliction without the aid of. the best medical skill that can, be secured.. '"■.'■'■ .-;.-'

The chronic.form of •Brightfs disease.! comes on with : less( (rapidity than the former, is apt to continue for a con-, siderable length of time, and,' under the' : usual modes of treatzrieht, almost in-' variably proves .fatal. 'The'affection, is. characterised by degeneration of the kidneys. .It-most, frequently appears in males, and seldom during early childhood.. or extreme 'old age. The causes are obscure. It may appear as a complication : of chronic "bronchitis, pulmonary affections, or constitutional syphilis. Intemperance "furnishes a. large share of its victims, arid is often met with,among the poor,'(.who are exposed to hardships , ; and : deprivations. One authority has found it as a complication of chronic dysentery.. - , i -•-.- The symptoms '„■ generally appear (so gradual that they excite but little or no concern, - until, the. occurrence of convulsions or dropsy. 'Frequently a puffy, watery condition of the face, particularly under the. eyes, is "the first "symptom. noticed, ' arid the" patient may observe that his urine is diminished in quantity. There will be a deep-seated, pain or'weakness in'the back,''loss; of flesh, general debih"ty, red, brown,; or dingy urine, drowsiness, and': perhaps symptoms of heart disease. ' The patient - becomes anaemic, and the breathing : is (wheezy accompanied with cough and; expectora--tiori. Stupor, apoplexy, and convulsions are forerunners of hi. fatal termination; Microscopical- arid cheriiical examinations of the urine are the only reliable means of diagnosis, and should be'repeatedlyinade. l , •;'>.■ i; - ■ 'Z:Z -~-,;; : "Keep the skiri in a healthy condition. Wear plenty of woollen clothing, and flannel 'or suk. next; to. the sSin: The diet should be priricipaUy; albuminous, and pastries avoided; In addition to the suggestions here given, remedies-must be judiciously selected by a physician skilled in the treatment of these diseases. Recent investigations are developing some remedies which will doubtless be specific in arresting this heretofore incurable disease. "■■'(:■;■■■■•;.