Toxic megacolon
Toxic Megacolon
Toxic megacolon (pronounced: tɒksɪk mɛgəˌkoʊlən) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of inflammatory bowel disease or infections of the colon. The term is derived from the Greek words "toxikos" (meaning poisonous) and "megacolon" (meaning large intestine).
Definition
Toxic megacolon is characterized by a rapid and severe enlargement of the colon, accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, bloating, and diarrhea. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Causes
The most common causes of toxic megacolon are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, two types of inflammatory bowel disease. Other causes can include bacterial infections, such as Clostridium difficile, and certain types of parasitic infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms of toxic megacolon can include severe abdominal pain, bloating, fever, rapid heart rate, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to septic shock and can be life-threatening.
Treatment
Treatment for toxic megacolon typically involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxic megacolon
- Wikipedia's article - Toxic megacolon
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