Observations on Abortion: Containing an account of the manner in which it is accomplished, the causes which produced it, and the method of preventing or treating itBurns, John
Science
Observations on Abortion: Containing an account of the manner in which it is accomplished, the causes which produced it, and the method of preventing or treating it
Burns, John
Miscarriage
We must likewise be very attentive to the state of the discharge when
this affection is considerable, for if, notwithstanding this, the
hemorrhage should continue, it will produce greater and more immediately
hurtful effects than if this were absent.
The best method of abating this sinking and feebleness, is to keep the
body perfectly at rest, and the head low. If necessary, we give small
quantities of stomachic cordials, such as a little tincture of cinnamon,
or a few drops of ether in a glass of aerated water; or we may give a
little peppermint water, with fifteen drops of tincture of opium. In
urgent cases, Madeira or undiluted brandy may be given; but these are
not to be frequently repeated, and are very rarely necessary.
Sometimes, instead of a feeling of sinking and faintness, the fibres of
the stomach are thrown into a spasmodic contraction, producing sudden
and violent pain. This is a most alarming symptom, and may kill the
patient very unexpectedly. It is to be instantly attacked by a mixture
of sulphuric ether and tincture of opium, in a full dose, whilst a
senapism is applied to the epigastric region.
Spasms about the intestines are more frequent, and much less dangerous.
They are very readily relieved by thirty drops of tincture of opium, in
a dessert spoonful of aromatic tincture, or forty drops of the tincture
of hyocyamus in two tea-spoonfuls of the compound tincture of lavender.
The brain may also be affected, producing epilepsy, which is a very
dangerous symptom. This is sometimes preceded by headach, flushing of
the face, and feeling of fulness about the head and neck; but at other
times it attacks without any precursory symptom, and sometimes seems to
arise directly from copious hemorrhage.
Nothing can be done to the uterus in the way of manual assistance, or
extracting the ovum; but our chief attention should be directed to the
brain. It will, indeed, be proper to attend to the state of the pains
and discharge. If the latter be profuse, we must take measures to check
it; if the former be absent, or seem to alternate with the convulsions,
we may derive advantage from the use of a saline clyster, which will
excite the contraction of the uterus, and confine the action more to
itself.
The same effect may sometimes be obtained by injecting cold water into
the os uteri. Whilst we thus endeavour to excite the regular action of
the uterus, we must likewise act directly on the brain, by shaving the
head, and applying a senapism to the scalp. We also detract blood, if
the pulse indicate an evacuation. If, on the other hand, the disease
seem to have arisen from the profusion of the discharge, it will be
proper to give volatiles, or a full dose of laudanum, in a little warm
brandy.
This state is to be distinguished from a combination of hysteria and
syncope, which occasionally occurs during labour, whether natural or
premature, and which is by no means equally dangerous.
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