What is toxic megacolon?
A person with toxic megacolon has life threatening inflammation and enlargement of the colon, caused by another illness. An inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, is the most common cause for toxic megacolon. About 1 percent of those with ulcerative colitis develop toxic megacolon. In most cases of toxic megacolon, surgery is required to remove the colon.

What are the symptoms of toxic megacolon?
Symptoms of toxic megacolon include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, diarrhea, blood in the stool, vomiting, fever, and fatigue.

How does the doctor treat toxic megacolon?
Treatment for toxic megacolon may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, corticosteroid medication, and surgery to remove the colon.