What is chronic megacolon?
What is chronic megacolon?
Chronic megacolon in adults represents advanced colon failure that does not respond to pharmacologic stimulation. Goals of therapy are to cleanse the colon, prevent impaction, and minimize stool volume and gas buildup.
How is chronic megacolon treated?
Treatment
- Medicines. Treating the original condition or infection may help reduce toxic megacolon.
- Bowel rest and bowel decompression. 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.
- Surgery.
Can chronic constipation cause megacolon?
Idiopathic megacolon is a relatively uncommon condition usually associated with slow-transit constipation. Although medical therapy is frequently ineffective, rectal laxatives, gentle enemas, and manual disimpaction can be attempted.
What can cause very large bowel movements?
Extremely large poops may be the outcome of eating a very large meal or the result of chronic constipation that alters your bowel habits. If you’ve tried increasing your physical activity and upping fiber and water intake, and your poops still fill the toilet, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
What is an extra long colon called?
A redundant colon often has additional loops or twists. Other names for a redundant colon include tortuous colon or elongated colon.
Can megacolon be cured?
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 do you treat megacolon naturally?
Patients with acquired, nonacute megacolon should follow a high-fiber, high-fluid intake diet, which usually helps to decrease constipation. Some patients with severe constipation state that a high-fiber diet produces greater difficulty with bloating and constipation.
Can a large bowel movement cause damage?
Consistently straining when pooping can cause a number of health complications, including: Hemorrhoids. These swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus can cause pain, burning, and itching. To relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids, try soaking in a warm bath for 10 minutes a day.
Do laxatives help with megacolon?
Laxatives may be considered and continued if found to be helpful. The best laxatives for this purpose are osmotic agents, such as magnesium salts, sorbitol, or lactulose (the latter two may increase flatulence). Patients need encouragement to take sufficient amounts to produce a result.
Can chronic constipation stretch your colon?
Chronic constipation may cause an accumulation of hardened stool that gets stuck in your intestines. Intestine that protrudes from the anus (rectal prolapse). Straining to have a bowel movement can cause a small amount of the rectum to stretch and protrude from the anus.