"
If this sign is passed by unheeded, and the above disease be
threatened, soon the eyes will become fixed and staring,--the head hot,
and moved uneasily from side to side upon the pillow, or lie heavily
upon the nurse's arm,--the child will start in its sleep, grinding its
teeth, and awake alarmed and screaming,--its face will be flushed,
particularly the cheeks (as if rouged),--its hands hot,--but feet cold,
its bowels obstinately costive, or its motions scanty, dark-coloured,
and foul.
If the lips are drawn apart, so as to show the teeth or gums, the seat
of the pain is in the belly. This sign, however, will only be present
during the actual existence of suffering; if, therefore, there be any
doubt whether it exist, press upon the stomach, and watch the eifect on
the expression of the countenance.
If the pain arise simply from irritation of the bowels excited from
indigestion, it will be temporary, and the sign will go and come just
as the spasm may occur, and slight remedial measures will give relief.
If, however, the disease be more serious, and inflammation ensue, this
sign will be more constantly present, and soon the countenance will
become pale, or sallow and sunken,--the child will dread motion, and
lie upon its back with the knees bent up to the belly,--the tongue will
be loaded,--and in breathing, while the chest will be seen to heave
with more than usual effort, the muscles of the belly will remain
perfectly quiescent.
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