~Symptoms.~--The disease is manifested by sudden pain in the right side, tenderness over the seat of the inflammation, and a localized rigidity of the right iliac fossa. The attack is as a rule accompanied by fever which may run as high as 103 deg. or 104 deg. F. The patient may suffer from nausea and vomiting. Constipation is generally an annoying symptom of the disease. ~Rest in Bed.~--The treatment of the acute attack consists of total abstinence from food for twelve or more hours until the most acute stage has passed and the patient either passes into the hands of the surgeon or the symptoms begin to subside in violence. It is necessary that the patient be kept in bed, not being allowed to rise for anything. The nurse must make him understand that his recovery, possibly his very life, depends upon his absolute quiet during the early stages of the disease. ~Dietetic Treatment.~--When the first acute symptoms have passed, the diet must consist of fluids, well-skimmed meat broths, buttermilk, peptonized milk, albumen water or albumenized orange juice. No solid food must be given until the acute symptoms have disappeared. When the tenderness in the right side has entirely left him and he no longer suffers the pain or nausea, a gradual return to a normal diet may be made. The patient must be cautioned against eating indigestible foods, as an attack of intestinal indigestion may readily start up an irritation in the susceptible appendix and cause a second attack of appendicitis which is often of a more serious nature than the first. ~Convalescent Diet.~--The return to solid food is made gradually as in other intestinal disorders, by giving the most digestible foods first. Soft toast, soft eggs, fine cereal gruels, well-cooked rice, well-baked white potatoes, meat, wine or fruit jellies; then lightly broiled beefsteak, lamb chop, chicken, sweetbreads, or brains given in small quantities until the intestinal tract has regained its vigor. ~Foods to Be Avoided.~--Highly seasoned foods must be avoided on account of their astringent qualities, which may cause constipation. Long, tough-fibered meats, coarse vegetables, rich foods, in fact anything which may cause intestinal indigestion, must be eliminated from the dietary. A decomposition of the foods lying in the lower part of the small intestine is dangerous to such individuals, since such products are highly toxic in character and exceedingly irritating to the already tender appendix. CHRONIC CONSTIPATION Chronic constipation is so universal a condition that it must be treated and overcome whenever it is possible. This condition is not only the cause but the result of disease. It may be induced by improper food, poor hygiene, sedentary habits, lack of exercise, the taking of drug preparations such as cough sirups which contain opium in some form, the constant taking of cathartics and enemas, or it may be an hereditary condition.