Volume 1

The history of the contagious cholera; with remarks on its character and treatment in England / [James Kennedy].

  • Kennedy, James, 1803-1868
Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The history of the contagious cholera; with remarks on its character and treatment in England / [James Kennedy]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    472/510 (page 446)
    wrought by the saline injections in the state of the patient in cholera—the sudden transition which he underwent, from the deepest collapse to the ap- because injection had done all that it can do; and in the others, because it had began to do harm. ** 3rdly. What cases are most favourable for injection? It appears to me, that injection will only do good after the violence of the disease has expended itself, the greater part of the discharges having taken place, and before permanent sinking or reaction are established. If fluid is thrown into the circulation of a person whose system is at the moment labouring under the poison of cholera, the salt and water is drained off along with what remains of the serum of the blood, and the mucous membranes are injured by having an increased quantity of fluid forced through them. On the other hand, in my practice, if we were too late in employing the remedy, throw in what quantity we chose, the pulse never returned to the wrist; it became powerful—too strong—in the iliaecs and carotids; and if we persisted, delirium and fearful irritation soon closed the scene. If reaction has begun, injection is useless—probably injurious. ** ]f the above conclusions be correct, injection is dangerous, inasmuch as it isno easy matter to catcli the proper period; and where it seems to succeed, it is at best doubtful, because a case which will bear this stimulus would probably recover without it. ‘« 4thly. What are the immediate effects of injections? By far the most common, in my experience, is drowsiness. The patient falls asleep, unless he vomit; the cramps are very frequently renewed; acute paid (sometimes excruciating) seizes the epigastric region, either during, or soon after the injections. In cases about to terminate favourably, the pulse