Rx for Gallbladder Attacks-- from a 1910 medical book

May 30, 2004

I think there are a few valuable things here. Prevention was not the focus of

this book, it's more a doctor's book about treatment, although there may have

been much more in the way of prevention then as opposed to now.

Both of my grandmothers had gall bladder disease and I remember family

stories where they had their children administer the choroform to them. When

their head fell to their chest or over backwards, the child would remove the

cone until they started suffering again. Several of the salts they used in the

text contain the magnesium sulfate as found in Epsom salts. Doctors were

very afraid of surgery then and, unlike today, they avoided it if possible. Lots

of people died then from this messy surgery.

FROM 1910........

First thing with gall bladder attack was pain and getting the person

comfortable. They used opium or 15 drops laudanum or morphia. Sounds

like anyone could get it in a drug store, but warned not to use it except under

doctor supervision. Then hot baths and hot linseed oil poultices to the

abdomen. " Drink large draughts of hot water containing two drachms of

bicarbonate of soda. Since an attack usually comes after a meal, eat an early

supper and drink lots of hot water in the evening. "

" If insufficient, chloroform or 20 drops of ether should be placed in a

hankercheif and inhaled, the dose to be repeated at intervals. The effects

should never be pushed to produce insensibility, this would be dangerous and

is unnecessary.

" After treatment alkaline aperient waters such as Carlsblad or Vichy. The

salts in these alkaline waters can be obtained as powders or lozenges and

lozenges should be largely diluted with water. Exercise, simple healthy foods,

avoid fat spice and rich foods. The persistant use of phosphate of sodium is

rarely unsuccessful in preventing the attack of hepatic colic. Give in teaspoon

dose before meals for several months. Equal parts of ether and oil of

turpentine in small teaspoon doses every 4 to 6 hours is an efficient remedy.

Large quanties of water to be taken at night. Taken very hot and swallowed

slowly. Tablespoon doses of olive oil 3-4 times daily in some cases will be

found beneficial. If a stone becomes fixed and grave symptoms of

obstruction arise, surgical measures should be resorted to. "

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-

Will in Minneapolis

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