OF A Stoppage of Urine.
Reading edition
We formerly mentioned, that in acute Diseases many complained of a Stoppage or Difficulty of making Water; and others had this Complaint from Strictures of the Urethra, or Disorders of the Bladder or Kidneys[97].
Where it depended on Strictures of the Urethra, Bougies introduced into that Passage, and worn for some Time, were of great Service. The Patients were at the same time ordered to live on a cool Diet, and to drink the decoctum Arabicum, or an Infusion of Linseed, or such other mild mucilaginous Liquors; and to take oily Medicines and Opiates occasionally, and gentle Laxatives, to keep the Body open; which Method of Treatment generally gave Relief. Where the Patients were plethoric, or complained of Pain, or the Disorder was attended with a Fever, Bleeding was often necessary.
When the Stoppage of Urine seemed to arise from an Inflammation of the Kidneys or Bladder, or other Diseases of these Parts, we treated it accordingly; and where the Fever was considerable, we made Evacuations, and gave plenty of diluting Liquors, and the cooling saline Medicines, and afterwards those of the soft, mucilaginous, and oily Nature, and mild Diuretics and Opiates.
When the Disorder, in its Progress, became chronical, the Sick were commonly sent down to the fixed Hospital, so that we had no Opportunity of examining the Bodies of such as might die of this Complaint.