Toxic megacolon (patient information)

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What is Toxic megacolon?

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:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal distention
• Abdominal tenderness
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Shock

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.

How to know you have Toxic megacolon (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:

• Abdominal x-ray
• Blood electrolytes
• Complete blood count

Where to find medical care for Toxic megacolon

Directions to Hospitals Treating Toxic megacolon