SCARLET FEVER. Synonyms.—Scarlatina; Scarlet Rash. Definition ...

other gland being at all affected, and then it is said that the person has
had single mumps. In this case he will be liable to a second attack, the
other gland being affected.
There are not only the usual symptoms—pain, heat, redness, and
swelling, all being marked—but we have, in addition, a peculiar nasal
voice and considerable difficulty in deglutition. Any pungent substance
taken into the mouth will cause pain, and it is generally suggested to
the patient to try a pickle. The sourness usually causes some pain in the
parotids, and the patient finds that he can hardly swallow or move his
jaw. The disease runs its course in from four to eight days; the fever first
declines, and then swelling gradually passes away. (Scudder.)
Complications and Sequelæ.—As a rule, mumps is an innocent
affair, running its course without any danger, though in rare cases very
serious complications may arise. The most frequent is orchitis in the
male, and mastitis, ovaritis, or vulvo-vaginitis in the female. As the
swelling begins to subside in the parotid, the patient experiences a
sharp pain in the newly affected organ, and in a few hours the swelling
has increased and an inflammation has set up with all the intensity
manifested at the original seat. It may result in suppuration or
terminate in resolution. Like orchitis from gonorrhea, it has no regular
course, and may terminate in three or four days, or run for ten or more
days.
The most serious complications are the cerebral affections. Where the
fever has run a very high course attended by delirium, meningitis has
followed. Hemiplegia has also occurred. Otitis media, followed by
deafness, has been recorded. The eye is not often affected, though
atrophy of the optic nerve has been noted. Arthritis, albuminuria, and
endocarditis have each been noticed.
Diagnosis.—The diagnosis is very easily made. The location of the
swelling, in front and below the ear, with pain on moving the jaws,
especially when any pungent substance is eaten, proves the character of
the disease.
Prognosis.—The prognosis is always favorable.
Treatment.—This is simple but effectual. We put our patient upon
aconite five drops, phytolacca ten to twenty drops, water four ounces,
teaspoonful every hour. If there be a burning sensation experienced,
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 145