The surgeon and colonic allergy

Abstract

1. 1. It is important that surgeons as well as general practitioners recognize the common allergic reactions in the colon. 2. 2. Mild allergic reactions cause mucous colitis, mild spasms and “irritable colon,” more severe mucosal reactions are the cause of ulcerative colitis. 3. 3. Very severe edema and spasm may produce symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction or an acute inflammation, hemorrhage or perforation. 4. 4. Allergy should not be made the primary diagnosis in any case until all organic causes for the symptoms have been ruled out by complete gastrointestinal and general study. 5. 5. The primary treatment of allergy consists essentially of the elimination of the offending factors and of general hygienic care. 6. 6. Desensitization, specific or nonspecific, and the treatment of endocrine, neurologic and metabolic disturbances, and removal of focal infections are necessary. 7. 7. Allergy as a precursor of cancer deserves further study.