WORM FEVER is a popular name for the affection more scientifically known as infantile remittent fever. Although it is a disease which presents great differences in its course and symptoms, according to the circumstances which have given rise to it, its characteristic symptoms will be found to point (as sir Henry Marsh, the eminent Dublin physician., long ago observed) to the mucous membrane as the original seat of morbid action. The disease seldom occurs during the first year of life; but from the seed to the twelfth year, it is an affection often met with. Premonitory symptcms usually occur, and may last for some days. These symptoms are thus described by Dr. Evanson: The child looks ill, and loses his color; is languid or fretful; complains of pain in the head or belly, is drowsy, but rests badly, starting in his sleep, or grinding his teeth, The appetite fails, the tongue becomes loaded, and the breath offensive. Fever now sets in : or the attack may commence with high febrile symptoms, and be ushered in by a cold fit. When once established the fever is remarkable for the distinctness of the exacerbations, the daily number of which varies in different cases. There is, however, usually one well-marked exacerbation, occurring in the evening and lasting till morning, and followed by a profuse sweat. Three is a common number—namely, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and a third at night. However cool and lively the child may at other times be it becomes fretful, hot, and heavy, as the exacerbation approaches. During the febrile period all the symptoms become aggravated. As the period of remis sion approaches these symptoms gradually become less severe, and more or less perspi ration appears. As the general disease declines the intermissions become lengthened, while the exacerbations diminish in duration and in intensity. Worms are often present in remittent fever, and rise to many of the above-named symptoms; but as the symptoms often remain after worms have ceased to he expelled, the latter cannot be regarded as being always the sole cause of this disease.
With regard to the treatment of remittent fever, the first point is to improve the condition of the intestinal canal, and to correct the morbid secretions poured into it. "From the deranged state of the secretions," says Dr. Evanson, "the occasional use of a mercurial is often very beneficial; and it may be given combined with an aperient or a diaphoretic, according to the circumstances. The powder of jalap, simple or com pound, is that which we prefer, and the addition of some ipecacuanha increases the effect." He recommends the following formula: Powdered jalap, 30 grains; powdered ipecacuanha, 5 grains; calomel, 5 grains; white sugar, 10 grains. From 2 to 5 grains of this powder may be given every three hours, till the bowels are freely moved. He adds that, to give cold drinks and keep the body cool by light clothing, and the use of an airy apartment (while we enjoin quietness, and occasionally exclude the light), is essential to recovery. When the bowels are not irritable a solution of crystals of tartar (bitartrate of potash) given cold, in the form of imperial (see TARTARIC Acm), possesses many advantages, as it acts on the kidneys, while it allays thirst, and tends to keep the bowels open. In the more advanced stages, when debility sets in, we have found the mineral acids useful. They can be employed much sooner than quinine; but the latter may occasionally be prescribed at the close of the complaint. If there are decided signs of intestinal inflammation leeches must be applied to the abdomen; when there is mere intestinal irritability, Dover's powder and the warm bath will give relief. If diarrhea cannot be checked by other means, turpentine, in doses of one or two drops, rubbed up with gum-water, may be tried. In relation to diet, the great point is to avoid giving such food as leaves a bulky, indigestible residue. When convalescence begins change of air often affords remarkable benefit.