Toxic megacolon (patient information): Difference between revisions

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*[[Ulcerative colitis]]
*[[Ulcerative colitis]]


==Diagnosis?==
==Diagnosis==
The rapid widening ([[dilation]]) of the [[colon]] makes this different from other conditions, such as [[chronic constipation]], that can widen the colon slowly and do not cause sudden, life-threatening symptoms.
The rapid widening ([[dilation]]) of the [[colon]] makes this different from other conditions, such as [[chronic constipation]], that can widen the colon slowly and do not cause sudden, life-threatening symptoms.


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[[Antibiotics]] may be given to prevent [[sepsis]] (a severe [[infection]]).
[[Antibiotics]] may be given to prevent [[sepsis]] (a severe [[infection]]).
====Medications to avoid====
{{MedCondContrPI
|MedCond = toxic megacolon|Alosetron|Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES)}}


==Diseases with similar symptoms==
==Diseases with similar symptoms==

Latest revision as of 19:49, 5 February 2015

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Toxic megacolon

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Toxic megacolon?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Toxic megacolon On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Toxic megacolon

Videos on Toxic megacolon

FDA on Toxic megacolon

CDC on Toxic megacolon

Toxic megacolon in the news

Blogs on Toxic megacolon

Directions to Hospitals Treating Toxic megacolon

Risk calculators and risk factors for Toxic megacolon

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:Jinhui Wu, M.D.; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Overview

Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions that causes rapid widening (dilation) of part of the large intestine within 1 to a few days.

What are the symptoms of Toxic megacolon?

The rapid widening of the colon may cause the following symptoms:

What are the causes of Toxic megacolon?

Toxic megacolon occurs as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and infections of the colon. The term "toxic" means that this complication occurs with infection or inflammation.

This is not the same as other forms of megacolon, such as pseudo-obstruction, acute colonic ileus, or congenital colonic dilation. These conditions occur without infection or inflammation.

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

The rapid widening (dilation) of the colon makes this different from other conditions, such as chronic constipation, that can widen the colon slowly and do not cause sudden, life-threatening symptoms.

A physical exam may reveal signs of septic shock. The doctor will notice tenderness in the abdomen and possible loss of bowel sounds.

Tests:

When to seek urgent medical care

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop severe abdominal pain, especially if you also have:

Treatment options

Fluids and electrolytes will be given to help prevent dehydration and shock. The process that leads to megacolon can be treated medically first. However, this is usually not enough to reverse the megacolon.

If rapid widening is allowed to continue, an opening (perforation) can form in the colon. Therefore, most cases of toxic megacolon will require surgery, such as colectomy or removal of the entire colon.

Antibiotics may be given to prevent sepsis (a severe infection).

Medications to avoid

Patients diagnosed with toxic megacolon should avoid using the following medications:


Diseases with similar symptoms

Where to find medical care for Toxic megacolon

Directions to Hospitals Treating Toxic megacolon

Prevention

Treatment of the underlying disease is important to prevent toxic megacolon.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)

If the condition does not improve, there is a significant risk of death. In this situation, a colectomy is usually required.

Possible Complications

Sources


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