Definition

The definition usually given is a constitutional disease characterized by pronounced enervation, with anemia and a spongy condition of the gums, which bleed on the slightest pressure or touch.

Etiology

This is one of the old affections, well known to the profession generally and to most of the intelligent laymen. Today it is called acidosis. It is pretty generally understood to mean a disease created from lack of green vegetables and fruit. It develops in its most profound type among sailors who are cast away from shore and lost at sea. The fact of the matter is that we have a great deal of scurvy, or acidosis, that is not recognized as such. Notwithstanding some of our best authorities declare that the disease is becoming very rare in the United States, the truth is that we have probably as much as we ever had, but of a form not recognized. It has always existed in the milder forms without recognition. Such affections as purpura hemorrhagica, many forms of ulceration, galloping consumption, tuberculosis of the lungs, and all conditions that have been recognized as of a scrofulous character, are so closely related to scurvy that they should come under the same head; for the cause must be the same, as nearly as causes can be the same.

Symptoms

The disease develops gradually. It is said that there is a gradual loss of weight. I find this true of only some of the victims of this disease. Some cases may be said to be obese, yet they can develop this disease. After the blood derangement becomes fatal, they have a loss of flesh. The gums become swollen and spongy, and bleed easily; the teeth loosen and fall out. When mercury is not the cause of pyorrhea, it must be due to scurvy, or acidosis.

It is only when scurvy, or scorbutus, becomes constitutional that it is generally recognized as such. Very few recognize such local affections as pyorrhea, gastric ulceration, and stomatitis as scurvy; yet the truth of the matter is that these are local diseases brought on from identically the same cause or causes. Inasmuch as the cause of blood derangement, glandular derangement, etc., is the common toxin poisoning, these affections should be recognized as springing from the same source. In severe constitutional derangements of this character, hemorrhages beneath the mucous membrane of the mouth are common. The skin becomes dry and rough. Blue spots, like those caused by bruises, appear upon the legs, arms, and other parts of the body. The breath is always bad. The slightest injury often produces hemorrhage.

A swelling on the order of dropsy in the ankles develops. As stated in previous articles, this is indicative of a very depraved condition of the system and pronounced enervation of the heart and kidneys. Hemorrhages from the lungs, stomach, and bowels are common. All the indications of general enervation may be expected. The heart, of course, is feeble and irregular in action. Small areas of the lungs will have hemorrhagic spots in them. Some of our leading authorities declare that it is very difficult to distinguish this disease from purpura. If they manage to get any distinction at all, it is a distinction without a difference; for they are one and the same thing.

Treatment

Raw fruit and raw vegetables until the disease is completely under control. Then add buttermilk to the diet. After buttermilk, fruit, and vegetables have been given for at least one week, some kind of starchy food, with combination salad, may be used for dinner. No meat should be given until full health is restored.