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National Geographic : 1950 Jun
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W t do., and w N to do for MORE AND MORE PEOPLE are learning not to take a chance with a persistent stomach ache or pain in the abdomen. As it might be appendicitis, they call a physician at once! Aided by advances in medical science, the mortality rate from appendicitis has declined steadily every year for the past 12 years. Today, the removal of the appendix is a rela tively simple and safe operation. The sulfa drugs and penicillin have also helped reduce The Doctor says: 1. Appendicitis generally gives adequate warning-pain in the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by nausea, and usually settling after a time in the lower right side. Since the symptoms are not always the same, the wisest rule is: Call the doctor at once for any persistentpain in the abdomen. No medicines... 3. The use of laxatives, enemas, or any ex ternal pressure, may cause the appendix to rupture, thus spreading the infection. That is why it is always safest not to give the patient any home remedies or medicines, and to avoid rubbing or pressing the area deaths from appendicitis through prevention and control of complications which sometimes accompany the disease. Prompt medical attention, however, is still the most important single step to complete recovery. For example, recent studies showed that when operations were performed within 24 hours after the first sign of an attack, more than 99 per cent of the patients recovered. Just lie quietly... 2. If appendicitis is suspected, serious com plications can often be avoided by keeping the patient quiet until the doctor comes. Sometimes the pain may lessen or vanish, but this is no sign that danger is past. Only a doctor, using a blood count or other tests, can determine if appendicitis is present. 4. Food and liquids put an extra strain on an inflamed appendix and may also cause it to burst. So, the patient should not have anything to eat or drink, until the doctor has made an examination. which is painful. To learn more about this con dition, send for Metropolitan's free booklet, 60-N, entitled "Appendicitis." Name Street City State - I
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