How do you treat toxic megacolon?

Treatment

  1. Medicines. Treating the original condition or infection may help reduce toxic megacolon.
  2. Bowel rest and bowel decompression. These treatments remove gas and substances filling the colon.
  3. IV fluids. You may be given an IV of fluids and electrolytes to help nourish your body and prevent dehydration.
  4. Surgery.

How do I know if my megacolon is toxic?

Toxic megacolon is characterized by extreme inflammation and distention of the colon. Common symptoms are pain, distention of the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, and dehydration. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical treatment.

Is toxic megacolon reversible?

Is megacolon reversible? In most cases, megacolon is reversible. This depends on whether it is possible to treat the underlying cause. In acute and toxic megacolon, the underlying cause can usually be treated or otherwise resolves itself naturally, so dilation of the colon is reversed.

How long does it take to develop toxic megacolon?

Signs and symptoms of acute colitis may be present for as long as 1 week before dilatation develops.

Who is at risk for toxic megacolon?

You are more at risk for toxic megacolon if you have: Ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease. Colon infection.

How long does it take for toxic megacolon to develop?

How big is a toxic megacolon?

Toxic megacolon (TM) is a potentially fatal condition defined as an acute colonic dilatation, greater than 6 cm in diameter, of the transverse colon, and loss of haustration on radiologic examination in a case of severe colitis.

Is toxic megacolon sepsis?

Key points about toxic megacolon It is a rare but life-threatening condition and needs immediate medical treatment. It can lead to inflammation all over the body (sepsis), blood loss, and death. Symptoms can include belly swelling, diarrhea, fever, and fast heart rate.

How quickly does toxic megacolon develop?

How does toxic megacolon develop?

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.