The large intestine is the lowest section of your digestive tract. It includes your appendix, colon, and rectum. The large intestine completes the digestive process by absorbing water and passing waste stool to the anus. Certain conditions can cause the large intestine to malfunction. One such condition is toxic megacolon or megarectum. Megacolon is a general term that means the abnormal dilation of the colon.
Toxic megacolon is a term used to express the seriousness of the condition. Toxic megacolon is rare. One of the causes of toxic megacolon is an inflammatory bowel disease IBD. Inflammatory bowel diseases cause swelling and irritation in parts of your digestive tract. These diseases can be painful and cause permanent damage to your large and small intestines.
Toxic megacolon can also be caused by infections such as Clostridium difficile colitis. Toxic megacolon occurs when inflammatory bowel diseases cause the colon to expand, dilate, and distend. When this happens, the colon is unable to remove gas or feces from the body.
If gas and feces build up in the colon, your large intestine may eventually rupture. Rupture of your colon is life-threatening. If your intestines rupture, bacteria that are normally present in your intestine release into your abdomen. This can cause a serious infection and even death. When toxic megacolon occurs, the large intestines rapidly expand. These treatments remove gas and substances filling the colon. IV fluids. You may be given an IV of fluids and electrolytes to help nourish your body and prevent dehydration.
Your healthcare provider may have you stop taking certain medicines while you're being treated for toxic megacolon. Some medicines that can make the condition worse are opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, medicines to stop diarrhea, antidepressants, and anticholinergic medicines.
Seek immediate medical help or have someone call if you have severe stomach pain and these symptoms:. Signs of shock, such as a weak pulse, cool or clammy skin, dilated eyes, confusion, and rapid or shallow breathing.
Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Sepsis can cause organ failure, a drop in blood pressure, and more. But if you develop toxic megacolon, those symptoms will feel much more intense. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. How to Manage and Treat UC. The rapid widening of the colon may cause the following symptoms to occur over a short period of time:.
The exam may reveal signs of septic shock , such as:. If you have septic shock, you will be admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital.
Treatment may include:. If rapid widening is not treated, an opening or rupture can form in the colon. If the condition doesn't improve with medical treatment, surgery will be needed to remove part or all of the colon. You may receive antibiotics to prevent sepsis a severe infection. If the condition does not improve, it can be fatal. Colon surgery is usually needed in such cases. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number such as if you develop severe abdominal pain, especially if you also have:.
Treating diseases that cause toxic megacolon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease, can prevent this condition. Lichtenstein GR. Inflammatory bowel disease.
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