Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1929-06-14
Health and Right Living
BY ROYAL s. COPELANC, Nj. ID.
Former Commissioner Of Health

anything about peritonitis. Fortu-
nately II Is not q common allment
But ii is too important TO overlook.
TO be frank about II. acute periton-
tits is always a serious disturbance.
All the cavities Of the body are
lined with a delicate membrane. The
abdominal cavity is no exception. In
this region the lining membrane Is
called the peritoneum.
This delicate structure covers the
inner side Of the abdominal wall.
Likewise, 1t Is reflected upon the In
testines and all the organs In the
abdomen. There is enough moisture
10 Intricate the surface OF the peri
toneum so that all the movements Of
the organs within the abdomen are
made without friction. They move
freely one upon another.
The peritoneum is normally a
thin. glistening membrane. II may
antly be compared 10 n coat Of var
nish applied TO the inner aspect Of
the abdominal walls and 70 the sur
face of the contained viscera.'
Like every other part If the body,
the peritoneum may become in
famed. This Is the condition which
may be general or II NAV be con-
fined to limited portions OF the per-
itoneum.
In peritonitis. no matter what its
cause. severe pain In the abdomen
and tenderness to the lightest
touch. are prominent symptoms. In
stinctively the victim lies on his
back with his legs drawn up. He
takes this position in order - re-
lieve the pulling OF the muscles
upon the sensitive abdomen.
For the same reason the breath
ing Is shallow. Every effort Is made
TO keep from moving the abdominal
muscles and aggravating the pain.
These are the signs Of a general
peritonitis. If the Inflammation Is
definitely localized. the pain and
tenderness and tenSenesS OF the
muscles are not so prominent.
The patient has fever. II pulse
Is rapid. In every way the symp-
toms indicate Illness.
There are a good many causes for
peritonitis. Needless to say. a per-
forating wound OF the abdominal
wall is very likely to cause infalm-
nation. II follows rupture Of the
pus-filled appendix or Of the gall
bladder. Certain female ailments
may have ~perltonitls as an accom-
paniment.
Once in A while this disease may
accompany some of the infectious or
contagious disc1-es. Blood poison
ing has ii as a symptom.
II there is a puS-forming inflam-
nation of the stomach. bowels. gall
bladder or womb. peritonitis may
follow. An ulcer OF the stomach or
~intestines which results in perfora-
ton. produce perironitis.
Usually there is great swelling Of
the abdomen. II becomes quite like
a small balloon. Likewise there Is
a drum-lise rigidity Of the abdom-
inal muscles.
If you have eny re- on TO suspect
that a member 0f your household
has peritonitis. YOU should call the
physician at once. The patient
should be kept propped up in bed
with the legs drawn up and the
shoulders raised. Perfect quiet
should be maintained until the doc
tor comes.
Answers to Health Queries
M. A. t. Own frequent use Of
a fine comb iniure the SCALP?
2-What will cure dandruff2
A-No.
2-Brush the hair daily and use
a good tonic.
Subscribed. Q-What causes dark
circles under the eyes?
A-This NAV be due 10 a number
Of causes. such as worry. constipa-
ton. lack Of rest, low blood pressure,
anaemia.
Mary r. Q-What causes a pain
in nv right arm? 70 feels lame and
I can hardly hold anything with ii
A-This NAV be due to neuritis
The cause must first be removed be-
fore the trouble al be cleared up
/. y. Q-I am 2 Young nj of 80
troubled with falling hair-what dc
ven advised
A-The condition az the scalp and
hair denPnds uDon the state of the
health in general. Careful sham
Dooinr and rinsing and the use Of
2 rood hair tonic should be helpful
II the health Is good.