This usually commences in the acute form with violent vomiting and a burning pain in the region of the stomach. Swallowing becomes difficult, thirst is intense, tongue is dry and smooth, headache often violent, delirium and prostration are present. If the stomach only is inflamed, there is constipation; but if the bowels also are affected, there is diarrhoea. The attendant fever is as common, and the disease may assume such a gravity that death inevitably ensues, especially in perforation of the stomach. Chronic gastritis is a common disorder. It is generally of a mild character, unless of long continuance, when it may occasion considerable organic disorder. Its approach is gradual, presenting a variety of symptoms, but may be known from dyspepsia in there being more pain at some particular point, and more frequent vomiting after taking food.

TREATMENT. -- Give an emetic, and cleanse the stomach by means of large draughts of warm water. Counter-irritation should be resorted to over the stomach. The vomiting may be checked by opium, and the tincture of crawley may be given to control the fever. If produced by a corrosive poison, the necessary antidotes will, of course, be required. All solid foods should be withheld, and the drinks should be mucilaginous, as marshmallow, slippery elm, gum-water, etc.

The treatment of chronic gastritis is not so easily stated. It depends greatly upon associated conditions and complications. Diet is an important element in the treatment. My "Restorative Assimilant" internally, and "Herbal Ointment" externally, generally cure each case; but some cases are of such a serious character that a cure can only be effected by special symptomatic treatment. Those desiring to consult me are referred to questions, page 390.