Therapeutic Observations on Non-specific Colitis: (Section of Therapeutics and Pharmacology)

The clinical characteristics of non-specific colitis and its tendency to spontaneous recovery and relapse make it difficult to assess the results of treatment, but no treatment has been found that acts as a specific cure in an acute attack or which will prevent relapse.The tissues of the colon are highly sensitive to trauma in colitis; treatment by colon lavage therefore often does harm and surgical procedures involving local manipulation are contra-indicated in acute colitis.Antidysenteric serum and Bargen's streptococcal serum and vaccine do not appear to produce a specific curative reaction, and their effect is uncertain.A generous well-balanced diet promotes recovery in convalescence, and long hours of fasting or scanty diet favour relapse. Experimental diets deficient in vitamin B complex produce colitis in monkeys, but in this country diet deficiencies do not appear to be the cause of human colitis, and a complete diet does not protect from relapse.Liver therapy has been found of no value in either acute or chronic colitis, except in a single case with a macrocytic anaemia.Iron in large doses given in chronic colitis with hypochromic anaemia is of striking benefit.Atropine has been used successfully to relieve spasm of the colon causing colic and faecal constipation.