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

color, or clear, with more or less flocculent material mixed with it.
Occasionally the abscess exhibits no tendency to point, but the pus
burrows in the tissues for a long time, unless it is opened. In other cases,
when the pus is discharged, the abscess does not heal, but continues to
discharge a dirty flocculent pus; and if we examine it, we will find the
walls ragged and often a chain of lymphatic glands dissected out and
lying at the bottom.
The constitutional disturbance varies greatly. Sometimes there is quite a
brisk febrile action when inflammation first comes up, with loss of
appetite, arrest of secretion, and much prostration. In these cases
suppuration is frequently marked with a chill or rigor, and occasionally
attended by hectic fever and night-sweats. The fever may be very
irregular, assuming either a remittent or intermittent type.
In other cases the only systemic disturbance is the gradual loss of flesh
and strength, derangement of the secretions, a pallid or waxen
appearance, with progressive emaciation. With the enlargement of the
cervical glands the post-cervical, supraclavic-ular, and the maxillary
may also become involved.
Tracheo-Bronchial.—This form is usually preceded by a catarrhal
condition of the bronchial tubes, and may be primary or secondary to
pulmonary infection; the primary form being especially common in
children, Northrup recording affection of the lymph glands in every one
of his one hundred and twenty-seven cases examined in the New York
Foundling Hospital.
These glands are the catch-basins for the various debris which have
escaped the destructive action of bronchial and pulmonary phagocytes;
consequently, they become frequently infected, and undergo changes
similar to those of the cervical glands; namely, become swollen,
tumefied, and finally caseate or calcify.
In the advanced stage there is a tendency to form abscesses, which may
rupture into the lung, bronchi, or trachea. These glands may assume
quite a large size, though they rarely ever produce pressure sufficient to
impair respiration.
Symptoms.—The general symptoms are those of impaired or enfeebled
vital force. There is a progressive decrease in flesh and strength, and
the general condition is well described as “going into a decline.” If
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 191