The Washington times., 1933-07-14
Secrets OF
HeaIth
The Cause and Treatment
of Jaundice

Famous Authority on Health
and Psychology
BY jaundice is meant discolora-
tion of the skin and mucous
membranes by the pigment Of
the bile.
Bile is secreted by the liver.
1t is stored up in the gall blad.
der. If, for any reason, the
flow of bile into the large inteS.
tine is blocked, bile pigment
penetrates into the body tissues
and discolors them.
Jaundice, therefore, is an
effect and not a cause. It is
a symptom, not a disease. In
all cases the cause must be
found and removed if jaundice
is to disappear.
Gall stones may produce a
clogging of the bile duct. Tu-
mors in the duct itself, or in
adjacent structures and press
ing on the duct, may likewise
obstruct the flow of bile. Any
inflammatory condition in the
duct, causing swelling, may
make the opening through the
duct smaller and finally close
it entirely.
Sometimes the difficulty
starts in the stomach. An alco-
holic debauch may be RESPONSE
BILE, also such an innocent rea-
son as overindulgence in mus
tard, spicy or rich foods.
Jaundice is usually noted first
in the whites of the eyes which
look a lemon-yellow color. The
skin of the body generally may
also have the same tint. In
more severe cases the skin may
turn deep olive-green or even
take on a bronze appearance.
Temperature in jaundice
cases is not the rule. Often,
however, the temperature falls
below normal by a degree or
more. The pulse is slow. Ap-
petite Wanes and finally dis
appears even early in the course
of this disorder. Nausea and
vomiting may occur. Either
constipation or diarrhaea de-
velops. A tired feeling or even
utter prostration, without exer-
ton, is complained of.
The stools, in a well-devel-
oped case of jaundice, are
characteristically clay-colored.
This is because no bile has ran
into the intestines to mix with
food residue. AS might be ex.
pected, the tongue is coated
and the breath foul. Because
of the consequent toxemia,
headaches are common.
One of the most annoying
accompaniments of jaundice is
itching of the skin. This may
be so severe as to produce q
state of nervousness which is
difficult to combat. In fact, all
iaundice patients are more or
less irritable. They want to
be lift alone and prefer to
rest.
From one to four weeks Is
the usual course of a jaun-
diced state. If symptoms per-
sist for a longer period it is
probable that a more serious
condition than simple inflam-
nation of the bile duct exists.
Rest in bed is desirable for
all varieties of cases. If this
cannot be done, at least quiet
life, free from excitement or
excesses, should be led. A good
dose of calomel, followed by
salts in the morning, should be
taken at the very first suspicion
of jaundice. The bowels should
likewise be kept free throughout
and for this the daily use Of
a mild cathartic is necessary.
On the first day only water
should be drunk. Later on q
liquid diet is indicated, COM
posed principally of milk.
A simple catarrhal jaundice
will probably yield to ordinary
measures as outlined above.
Nevertheless, it is always the
part of wisdom to consult a
physician regardless.
After the attack has passed,
the abdomen should be kept
warm with a flannel binder for
a few weeks.
DIR. Bisch's Daily Diet Hint
Rice water is a refreshing
drink and good for children.
This is made by taking one
level teaspoonful of rice flour
and blending it with a little
cold water. The mixture is
then stirred into 10 ounces of
boiling water to which pinch
of salt has been added. After
cooking in double boiler for
80 minutes the same is strained.
Then water is added up to q
pint. The same may be done
with oat mr. wheat f1oIlr