On preservation of health in India / by Sir Joseph Fayrer.

  • Fayrer, Joseph, Sir, 1824-1907.
Date:
1880
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On preservation of health in India / by Sir Joseph Fayrer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    29/40 (page 29)
    29 two kinds, the internal and external, and depend on a dis- tended, congested, and varicose state of the hsemorrholida blood vessels and mucous membrane, and are much influ- enced by the condition of the liver, as the vessels implicated form part of the so-called portal circulations, by which is meant the blood that, flowing through certain veins, enters a large trunk called “ Portal,” the branches of which are distributed to the liver; the blood brought by it being that from which bile and other products are separated. In cer- tain abnormal states of the liver in which the free circula- tion of the blood is impeded, congestion of these vessels is apt to result, and to give rise to this troublesome affection. Whilst small and incipient, they are comparatively harm- less, but when they increase in size, as they are apt to do, and when they give rise to mucous discharge and haemorr- hage, from rupture of the distended vessels, they are pre- judicial, and should be removed or otherwise actively treated. The internal are generally the most troublesome, but both are liable to fits of congestion, inflammation, and at times, haemorrhage. The loss of a small quantity of blood in this way is often attended with a delusive sense of relief, and the sufferer feels better for it; but this cannot go on long without causing serious mischief to the health. It is best to try and avoid having the affection at all, and the way to do so is to keep the bowels regular, avoid luxurious and slothful habits, take plenty of exercise and a moderate diet, bathe the parts with cold water, and avoid excess of food and stimulants of all kinds. I trust none of you suffer in this way, or have any ten- dency so to suffer, but if you do, that you will not go to India,, until relieved. A sedentary life may have induced it, if so get rid of it before going to a hot climate, where the com- plaint is likely to increase. I have already cautioned you, in respect of food and drink, in regard to the well-being of the liver—the same precautions apply for similar reasons in this case. Lead regular lives, avoid excesses of all kinds, take regular exercise, and keep the bowels open.