Ulcerative colitis

Summary and conclusions

In so far as can be judged, the features of ulcerative disease of the colon in the aforementioned three patients have many points in common. However, the intensity and severity of the disease as it afflicted the three patients are different. If the patient in Case 2 had been permitted to continue without treatment for several more weeks, it can only be imagined what a severely damaged colon might have resulted. There is no question that the mental attitude of the patient is of tremendous value, and psychic trauma may contribute to the onset of an attack. Anxiety can do much to continue such an attack, just as anxiety can aggravate the condition of patients who suffer from duodenal ulcer. Fear of food, fear of getting too far away from the toilet, and what is referred to as “just fear” seem to add greatly to the problem in the care of these patients.

Concerning patients who have ulcerative disease of the colon one fundamental fact is certain: their chances for recovery depend greatly on the availability of the best possible quality of food. Protein is the most important article: chiefly red meats, liver, kidneys, sweetbreads and lean pork. Unfortunately, some patients cannot tolerate pork, but for those who can, it is an excellent food and is especially rich in thiamin chloride.

Since fruits and vegetables may add too much residue to the diet and increase the number of bowel movements of the patient, restriction of these articles requires supplements of the Vitamin B group and ascorbic acid. Use of the whole Vitamin B complex, such as is now available, is preferable to the use of thiamin chloride alone. Such products are obtained from grain and may be enriched with liver.