OXALURIA (Neo-Lat., from Eng. oxal-ic Gk. dpoy, uuron, urine), or OXALIC ACID DIA THESIS. A morbid condition of the system, in which one of the most prominent symptoms is the persistent occurrence of an excess of crystals of oxalate of lime in the urine. Oxalate of lime is normally present in the urine. held in solution by the acid sodium phosphate. The amount excreted daily varies greatly within the limits of health. being largely increased by eating tomatoes, rhu barb, cranberries, and the like. The diet, there fore. must always be taken into account in esti mating the pathological importance of an excess of the oxalates. When present in excess for a considerable period of time, the condition is known as oxaluria. The accompanying train of symptoms are depression. irritability, nervous in digestion. hypochondriasi-. melancholia. There may be neuralgic pains, a sense of weight across the loins. and the characteristic symptoms of neurasthenia. The causes of oxaluria are nut
quite clear, hut the trouble is believed to be due to faulty assimilation and imperfect oxidation of certain foods. It occurs in lithiemia, and is thought to be related to gout. The persistent oc currence of large amounts of calcium oxalate in the urine is also of special interest. because the crystals may be deposited before the urine is voided. and form the so-called mulberry calculi in the bladder or the pelvis of the kidney.
The treatment of this condition should look toward building up the general health. and im proving the digestion by outdoor exercise and the administration of bitter tonic: and the mineral acids. Articles of diet containing oxalic acid should be avoided, as should also the starches and sugars. which consume all the available oxy gen and interfere with albuminous transforma tion.