Chronic Diarrhea.

THE acute form of diarrhea, not being, properly managed, often runs on, and becomes chronic, and is at times exceedingly difficult to cure.

Symptoms. Frequent discharges, generally with some pain and griping, restlessness, thirst, poor appetite, debility, loss of flesh, dry, rough, and somewhat sallow skin, and tongue dry and dark colored. The food often passes through the bowels pretty much in the condition in which it was swallowed. The liver is generally out of order, and the bowels are frequently afflicted with a low grade of inflammation.

Treatment. In this form of the disease, astringents and tonics will generally be required. Sometimes a teaspoonful of brandy, in a little sweetened water, or in clear water, several times a day, will effect a cure. Good cherry brandy is a valuable remedy; so is blackberry brandy. Many of the worst cases have been cured by taking no nourishment, for a long time, except milk, with a little limewater in it.
When the liver is involved in the complaint, as evinced by light colored stools, leptandrin, geranium, etc. (341), may be given with advantage.
In some instances, when there is considerable debility, pills of quinine, catechu, etc. (342), will do well.
A sponge bath must be taken daily, and the skin be well rubbed after it.