Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-02-23
Bv J. II. KELLOGG, M. D., IL. D.

TIME causes of enlargement OF the
J. spleen are not entirely clear. We
know that enlargement OF the organ Is
commonly the cause of autointoxication
and that the same agencies that produce
enlargement Of the liver VIII also pro-
duce enlargement of the spleen. Further
more. the agencies which cause cirrhosls
Of the liver will cause cirrhoss OF the
spleen, A physician, indeed, in examin-
ing the liver to find whether it is en-
larged or cirrhosis also examines the
spleen, because the two organs are close
ly related in their functions--the de-
struction Of poisons, especially those
poisons produced in the colon and alb
sorbed into the blood and carried into
the system.
II is significant that a person who
Is suffering from pernicious anemia has
in most cases an enlarged spleen, as also
n person suffering from chronic malarial
infection. II Is the poisons represented
in the body in both of these diseases that
produce the enlargement Of the spleen.
Doctor Slyestri also has found that
tho spleen plays an important part In
defending the body against typhoid
fever. OF 147 cases Of the fever. l3O
were found TO have enlarged spleen.
In the treatment OF the disorder at
tontion should first be given to remov-
ing the cause, Correct at once the diet.
This must be antitoXc--that is. 1t must
consist Of those foods which do not tend
to produce poisons in the intestinal
canal Meat of all kinds, including fish
must be discontinued, likewise hot
sauces, pepper and irritating condiments
of all kinds. The diet should consist
of an abundance of fruits and Vegeta'
bles. The legumes-beans, peak, lentis
should be used very sparingly, on ac-
count OF the large proportion OF protein
they contain. For 1t should be remem-
bered that the protein element or our
food undergoes putrefaction In the colon
with the utmost readiness and gives rise
to a number of vicious poisons that
serve only to aggravate the condition
OF the spleen. For the same reason nuts
should be used very sparingly. Tea
coffee, alcoholic liquors of all kinds, as
also tobacco. must absolutely be dis
carded OH account of the noxious toxins
which they contain. Water may be
drunk freely, since II assists in the elm
nation of poisons from the spleen.
Also applications over the spleen of
heat and cold are very helpful. a hot
douche over the spleen followed by
cold douche for ten seconds has tremen-
dous power in causing the spleen TO
contract and thus relieve the conges-
ton and consequent enlargement
The X-ray has also been found help
full on account of its influence upon
glands. 1t is well known that the X-ray
when applied to ths skin will destroy
sweat glands. 1t is often applied to
the bottom of the feet in the case of
offensive perspiration. Applied to an
enlarged thyroid gland, the N-ray causes
the gland to shrivel up. Also applied
to an enlarged liver, the N-ray has the
effect of reducing the liver, an effect
which il also has upon the spleen.
Turkish baths, rapor baths and wet
sheet packs are also helpful in the treat
ment Of enlarged spleen.
Exercise is of the utmost value as a
means of eliminating poisons. both by
way of sweat glands and by way OF the
eXhaled breath. Running or rapid walk
ing in the open air is good, II this is
not convenient, however, the same re-
suits may be obtained by exercise taken
indoors with doors and windows widely
opened 30 as to get free ventilation.
II is not even necessary to run about
the room.
one may run in place" executing
the movements OF running by throwing
the weight first upon one foot and then
upon the other, lifting backward tho
foot which Is not in use. Various othCr
exercises of the legs may be employed.
but active movements of the legs are,
OH the whole. OF the greatest service.