Dysentery is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bowels, chiefly of the large bowels, with subsequent ulceration and haemorrhage. It is often preceded by diarrhoea, the most severe form of which is apt to take on the true dysenteric character. This remark applies with special force to the so-called "bilious diarrhoea," in whic the bowels become irritated and subsequently inflamed from the acrid quality or preternatural quantity of the biliary secretion. Disease of the liver may co-exist with dysentery, or even precede it, and then be the exciting cause of the latter disease, owing to the irritant action of vitiated bile.

Symptoms

Some febrile excitement, blackish offensive evacuations, followed by discharge of acrid mucus mixed with blood, pains in the bowels and straining, rapid failure of strength and of flesh, are the most prominent symptoms. Ulceration is denoted by discharge of blood, or of mucus mixed with blood, or of feculent matter mixed with discoloured blood.

Treatment

Aconitum * is indicated when the pulse is increased in frequency, the skin hot, the abdomen painful, and the motions voided with straining.

Mercurius corrosivus when there is severe straining, with protrusion of the mucous membrane of the rectum, and evacuation of pure blood, or of blood mixed with excrement.

Colocynihis is valuable when there are colicky symptoms, with discharge of bloody mucus, and pain in the abdomen. This medicine and the last may be given alternately with good effect.

Arsenicum may be administered against great prostration and failure of strength, weak, small pulse, cold legs, offensive putrid breath, and offensive evacuations.

Food, Etc

The food should consist of the most nutritious kind, and should be given frequently in small quantities. Injections of starch are sometimes beneficial.