Enlargement of the Prostate, Its Treatment and Radical Cure (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ...Clothing must be warm but light, flannel, silk, or merino being worn next the skin. At the same time excess must be carefully avoided. Overclothing is scarcely less injurious than the reverse. Patients with enlargement of the prostate are peculiarly susceptible to chills if they are tired or overheated, and the least chill may cause retention of urine. The loins especially must be well protected, and the lower extremities kept warm, and, above all, dry. Hip baths as hot as can be borne, just before getting into bed, are sometimes of service in relieving the irritability at the neck of the bladder; but immersion should not be prolonged for more than a minute or two. In the morning the temperature of the bath should be guided by the energy with which the circulation reacts. Light general friction afterwards is very beneficial from the influence which it has upon the blood supply of the skin. Exercise in moderation is essential, but it must be of a kind that is suited to the condition of the patient. It helps to maintain the general health; prevents attacks of local congestion, and keeps the liver and the bowels in good order. The age and the physical condition of the patient must, of course, be carefully considered, and exercise must always stop short of fatigue. Riding, long railway journeys, and anything that tends to increase the congestion of the pelvic organs must be prohibited. When for any reason exercise cannot be taken, general massage is an excellent substitute, maintaining a high standard of activity for both the circulatory and excretory organs. No drugs have the least influence upon the rate of growth of the gland. Some, however, are of service in helping to maintain the tone of the bladder and in controlling the reaction and...