The acute attack of asthma is accompanied with slight fever and acute catarrhal symptoms. Later the typical asthmatic symptoms appear in which there is a constriction of the bronchi due to spasms of the unstriped muscular fibers. There is hyperemia in the mucous membrane and a slight exudate. Usually the tonsils are enlarged and there are adenoid growths. There is more or less severe dyspnea, moderate cyanosis and, in severe cases, prostration. The peculiarity in respiration consists in a short inhalation with slow, labored exhalation. Dyspnea may be so severe that it is impossible for the child to breathe lying down. There is an almost constant dry teasing cough. Many infants suffering from asthma are inclined to be rachitic. Equation The functions involved are motor and calorific; C+ for the heat in the mucous membrane lining the bronchi and M+ for the contraction, muscular contraction in the bronchi, with T+ for the accumulation of the mucin. Family This condition involves two families, the fever and spasms family. Major Adjustment Asthma is caused by a subluxation in the lower cervical or the upper dorsal region, producing pressure upon the nerves which transmit mental impulses to the pharynx and bronchi, interfering primarily with the motor function. The major adjustment is lower cervical or upper dorsal in combination with kidney place. CHAPTER VI DIGESTIVE TRACT CHAPTER VI DIGESTIVE TRACT GASTRITIS Incoördinations of the stomach alone are less frequent in infancy than are those of the intestines. Usually the stomach and intestines are involved at the same time and it becomes impossible to differentiate the two. The greater part of digestion during infancy takes place in the intestinal tract, the stomach acting more as a receptacle for the milk from which food passes slowly into the intestinal tract to be properly digested. In an infant one month old the stomach will be empty one and one-half hours after nursing; in bottle-fed babies it will take a little longer. From two to eight months of age the time is about two hours for breast-fed babies and from two and a half to three hours for those taking cow’s milk. Symptoms The symptoms of gastritis come on very suddenly with pain and tenderness in the epigastric region, and with a high temperature which after the onset decreases. There is thirst, loss of appetite, and vomiting. The vomited matter is usually sour and may be streaked with blood. If there is an excessive amount of blood it indicates ulcers. This is rather unusual, however, in small children. Vomiting is excited by anything taken into the stomach. The thirst is intense, although the water will be vomited as soon as taken. The tongue is heavily coated and the breath is foul. If these symptoms continue intestinal symptoms will soon develop.