Dysentery

Dysentery, a disease characterised by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine. The mischief is said to involve, in the first instance, the solitary glands of the large intestine, which become swollen and hypertrophied, and if the attack be a severe one actual sloughs are formed, which are cast off, leaving patches of ulceration. These ulcers either heal with the formation of scar tissue, and consequent cicatricial contraction, or they remain open and irritable for a considerable length of time, giving rise to chronic symptoms of a peculiarly intractable character. The disease is, forthe most part, limited to tropical countries. It is said to have prevailed largely in former days in England, but is now practically unknown, save in the case of those who have been to India or other warm climates. It is said by some authorities to be associated with aguish districts, but there is considerable difference of opinion in this matter. The main symptoms of the disease are fever, with diarrhoea and tenesmus. The discharges from the bowel contain mucus, and often blood. A fatal termination is not uncommon. In mild cases signs of amendment are manifested at the end of about a week. Abscess of the liver occasionally developes in persons who have been the subjects of attacks of dysentery.