nerally preceded by considerable
irritation, by the child crying and fretting, showing more than ordinary
redness of the lips and nostrils, hot fetid breath, with relaxed bowels,
and dark feculent evacuations; the water is scanty and high-coloured;
whilst considerable difficulty in swallowing, and much thirst, are the
other symptoms, which a careful observation of the little patient makes
manifest.

2528. The situation and character of thrush show at once that the cause
is some irritation of the mucous membrane, and can proceed only from the
nature and quality of the food. Before weaning, this must be looked for
in the mother, and the condition of the milk; after that time, in the
crude and indigestible nature of the food given. In either case, this
exciting cause of the disease must be at once stopped. When it proceeds
from the mother, it is always best to begin by physicking the infant
through the parent; that is to say, let the parent first take the
medicine, which will sufficiently affect the child through the milk:
this plan has the double object of benefiting the patient and, at the
same time, correcting the state of the mother, and improving the
condition of her milk. In the other case, when the child is being fed by
hand, then proceed by totally altering the style of aliment given, and
substituting farinaceous food, custards, blanc-mange, and ground-rice
puddings.

2529. As an aperient medicine for the mother, the best thing she can
take is a dessert-spoonful of carbonate of magnesia once or twice a day,
in a cup of cold water; and every second day, for two or three times, an
aperient pill.

2530. As the thrush extends all over the mouth, throat, stomach, and
bowels, the irritation to the child from such an extent of diseased
surface is proportionately great, and before attempting to act on such a
tender surface by opening medicine, the better plan is to soothe by an
emollient mixture; and, for that purpose, let the following be prepared.
Take of

Castor oil 2 drachms.
Sugar 1 drachm.
Mucilage, or powdered gum Arabic half a drachm.

Triturate till the oil is incorporated, then add slowly--

Mint-water One ounce and a half
Laudanum Ten drops

Half a teaspoonful three times a day, to an infant from one to two years
old; a teaspoonful from two to three years old; and a dessertspoonful at
any age over that time. Aft