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

/ 4 am not sure LldL 4 ever lOiQ you
anything about peritonitis. Fortu-
nately it is not a common ailment
But IL is too important to overlook
To be frank about 1t, 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. IL is reflected upon the in
testines and all the organs in the
abdomen. There Is enough moisture
to lubricate 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 n
thin. glistening membrane. 1t may
aptly be compared to a coat Of var
nish applied TO the inner aspect OF
the abdominal walls and to the sur
face Of the contained viscera."
Like every other part Of 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 highest
touch, are prominent symptoms. In
stinctively the victim lies on his
back with his legs drawn up. He
takes this position in order 70 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. III the Inflammation Is
definitely localized. the pain and
tenderness and tensenesS OF the
muscles are not SO prominent.
The patient has fever. tt pulse
is rapid. In every way the symp-
toms indicate illness.
There are a good many causes for
peritonitis. Needless 10 say. a per-
forating wound Of the abdominal
wall is very likely to cause infalm-
nation. 1t follows rupture Of the
pus-filled appendix or OF the gall
bladder. Certain female ailments
may have peritonitis as an accom-
paniment.
once in a while this disease may
accompany some OF the infectious or
contagious diseE-es. Blood poison
ing has il as a symptom.
If there Is a pus-forminE 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 peritonitis.
Usually there Is great swelling Of
the abdomen. II becomes quite like
a small balloon. Likewise there Is
a drum-like rigidity OF the abdom-
inal muscles.
If you have any rec-on to suspect
that a member Of 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
NJ. "A. T. Q-Wfll frequent use of
a fine comb injure the scalp?
2-What will cure dandruff?
A-No.
2-Brush the hair daily and use
a good tonic.
Subscribed. O-What causes dark
circles under the eyes7
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 pair
in my right arm2 II feels lame and
I can hardly hold anything with it
A-This may be due to neuritis
The cause must first be removed be-
fore the trouble can be cleared up
L d. OF am n young man Of "a
troubled with falling hair-what dc
vcu advise?
A-The condition Of the scalp and
hair denends upon the state NJ the
health in general. Careful sham
pooling and rinsing and the use OF
"A rood hair tonic should be helpful