PYRO'SIS, or WATERBRASII, is a modification of dyspepsia, or indigestion, character ized by a burning sensation at the pit of the stomach, followed by the eructation of a considerable quantity of a thin, watery fluid, which is generally tasteless, but sometimes. sour, and is often described by the patient as being cold. It occurs in paroxysms. which. usually come on in the morning or forenoon. when the stomach is empty. The first symptom of it is a pain at the pit of the stomach, and a sense of constriction, as if the stomach were drawn toward the back. The pain is often very severe, and after con tinuing for some time it brings on the discharge of fluid which has been already men tionel, after which it lessens, and gradually disappears. When the attack has once occurred, it is commonly repeated at intervals for a considerable time. It is usually accompanied with other symptoms of dyspepsia, and is sometimes associated with organic disease of the stomach or of the liver. It seems to be due in a great measure to indi
gestible diet and the too free use of spirits. When no organic disease is present, the affection usually disappears under the use of a well-regulated diet, and the administra tion of opium, combined with astringents (as in the compound kino powder), care being taken to guard against the constipating effect of these drugs by the prescription of a mild. aperient daily, as, for example, a little confection of senna, or 3 grains of the compound colocynth pill, combined with 2 grains of extract of hvoscyamus. If this treatment fail, nitrate of bismuth, or oxide of silver, in appropriate doses, may be tried. In some cases a cure has been effected by the use of lime-water and milk.