Anaemia is a term used to denote various conditions of the blood in which there is a deficiency of some of the blood elements and an increase in its watery constituents. Anaemia depends on many causes. It is most frequent at puberty in young girls, and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting; sometimes there is a greenish pallor, and then the condition is popularly known by the name of “green sickness.”
Diagnosis.-Anaemia is a disease which is generally obvious to the first glance. The pallor of the face and absence of colour from the lips explain themselves. But it is a mistake to regard the bloodlessness as the whole of the disease. It is commonly dependent on some deep constitutional taint, as scrofula, or on chronic poisoning. Arsenical wall-papers are responsible for a good deal of anaemia, and also the excessive use of iron.
General Treatment.-Good food, warm clothing. open-air exercise.
Medicines.-(Two or three times a day until relief is obtained. To be resumed after an interval if the improvement comes to an end.)
Ferrum 6.-
When there is throbbing headache, the face flushing easily and very pale when the flush fades. (Some of the cruder preparations of iron and haemoglobin are of service in these cases. Flatwick water in doses of one dessert-spoonful three times a day is also useful.)
Nat. mur. 6.-
With constipation, chilliness, earthy complexion.
Pulsatilla I.-
Chilly. subjects. When the monthly periods are scanty, or delayed.
Petrol. 3.-
When there is nausea or vomiting.
Argent. nit.6.-
Sharp pain in the stomach and tenderness, palpitation, faintness.
Calcarea6.-
Weariness; patients who have cold, clammy hands and feet; pale, lymphatic subjects.
Sulph.6.-
In sanguine subjects; cold hands and feet, hot head; constipation; hunger II a.m.
