These are familiar and easily recognized. They are vomiting, pain,
undigested movements from the bowels, often fever and considerable
prostration.

Such attacks are usually traceable to their proper cause, the removal
of which is followed by prompt recovery.

_What are the common causes of acute indigestion?_

This is frequently due to overeating, to indulgence in some special
article of improper food, or to eating heartily when overtired. Acute
indigestion often marks the beginning of some acute general illness.

_How should acute indigestion be managed?_

One should bear in mind that for the time being the digestive organs
have stopped work altogether. The important thing, therefore, is to
clear out from the intestines all undigested food by some active
cathartic, such as castor oil. The stomach has usually emptied itself
by vomiting. All food should be stopped for from twelve to thirty-six
hours, according to the severity of the attack, only water being
given.

_At the end of this time is it safe to begin with the former diet?_

No; for such a procedure is almost certain to cause another attack of
indigestion. At first only broth, thin gruel, very greatly diluted
milk, or whey should be given. The diet may be very slowly but
gradually increased as the child's appetite and digestion improve, but
in most cases a week or ten days should elapse before the full diet is