FEVER, YELLOW
\fˈiːvə], \fˈiːvə], \f_ˈiː_v_ə]\
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A very acute and dangerous febrile affection; so called, because complicated, in its second stage, with a jaundiced appearance, accompanied by vomiting of black matter. Sauvages, Cullen, and others regard it as a variety of typhus; and PineI, as a species of gastro-adynamic, or bilious putrid fever. It occurs, endemically, only within the tropics; but it has been met with epidemically in the temperate regions. Broussais regards the disease as gastro-enteritis, exasperated by atmospheric heat; so that it runs through its stages with much greater rapidity than the gastro-enteritis of our climates. The yellow colour of the skin, according to him, is owing to the inflammation of the small intestine,-and especially of the duodenum, - augmenting the secretion of the liver, and at the same time preventing its discharge into the duodenum. The pathology of this affection, as well as its origin, is still unsettled. The treatment must generally be of the most active nature at the onset; consisting in bleeding largely, and exhibiting mercury, so as to excite a new action, if possible; - the other symptoms being combated according to general principles. It must vary, however, according to the epidemic.
By Robley Dunglison
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