Toxic Megacolon: A Complication Of IBD

The large intestine is the lowest part of the digestive tract which consists of appendix, colon, and rectum where re-absorption of water occurs from the food and processing of waste products along with its elimination in the form of stool through the anus.

There can be various reasons for the malfunctioning of the large intestine. One of them is toxic dilatation of the colon or toxic mega colon. Abnormal dilatation of the mega colon is the anomaly for which these terms are used. It is a very serious medical condition which needs to be corrected as soon as possible otherwise results in severe signs and symptoms. Although it is a rare condition in which within a small span of time, widening of the large colon or intestines occur and can prove to be fatal. It is usually presented as a complication of the IBD, i.e. Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF TOXIC MEGACOLON?

Inflammatory bowel disease is the main cause of toxic mega colon. IBD comprises of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In both of them, there is irritation and swelling of the intestines, both large and small. Both of them are very painful and distressing conditions which may cause severe and permanent damage to the colon. Intestines become dilated, expanded and distended in IBD that results in the inability of those to remove stool and gas present in them. The gradually huge amount of gas and waste products build up in the colon ultimately leading to rupture of the colon. This rupturing of intestines is a life-threatening condition as due to the rupturing of the colon the normal bacteria present in them may spread to the whole body causing infection and death.

In some cases, it can also occur due to infection from Clostridium difficile.

WHAT CAN BE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC MEGACOLON?

As it can occur within a short span of time, symptoms also appear suddenly, which include:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Distention of the abdomen
• Bloating
• Fever
• Tachycardia i.e. increased heart rate
• Shock
• Diarrhea which may contain blood
• Painful bowel movements

HOW CAN TOXIC MEGACOLON BE DIAGNOSED?

It can be diagnosed through physical examination and some lab tests. Patient case history can reveal any of the inflammatory bowel diseases. During the physical examination, abdominal tenderness can be detected. Some of the lab tests can confirm the diagnosis:

• Abdominal X-ray
• Abdominal CT scan
• Blood tests like complete blood count and blood electrolytes

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR TOXIC MEGACOLON

Meaning- Digestive fire is the main of all the fires in the body. All other fires or Agni depend upon the Jatharagni as it illuminates all others. They all get strength from Digestive fire and their strength depend upon it. Hence, food consumption should be according to the nature of this digestive fire. The strong state of digestive fire provides strength, longevity, health, excitement, and intelligence to the body.

Reference- Charak Samhita, Part 2, Chikitsa sthanam, chapter no. 15, Shloka no. 39 and 40

Ayurveda has proved to be very effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and Ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, in modern medicine, these diseases are considered to be non-curable but Ayurveda treats them effectively that too only with herbal medicines. According to Ayurveda, these diseases occur due to increased Pitta dosha in the body and low digestive fire resulting in inflammation and ulceration of the colon. Toxic megacolon occurs when this disease is not treated timely or maltreated. Ayurveda can help in treating this disease as well as its complications.
Dr.Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurveda) from Planet Ayurveda has expertise in treating Ulcerative colitis and patients from worldwide consult him for their treatments. Many of them have been treated successfully. For toxic megacolon also Planet Ayurveda offers some herbal remedies which are prepared from pure extracts of herbs of the best quality. The herbs which have been used since ancient times and have specific pathogenesis in this disease are taken to prepare these herbal medicines. No artificial preservatives, chemicals, dye, additive or fillers are added in these medicines. These remedies are purely vegetarian and not tested on animals.

As it is the complication of the IBD and Ayurveda treats the diseases from its root cause hence, in this case, to treat toxic megacolon IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease must be treated so that if root cause will be eradicated, the complications will go on its own. Early intervention and proper herbal treatment is the key to prevent Toxic megacolon, a life-threatening condition.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

1. Kutzghan Vati

As in toxic megacolon there is severe diarrhea which can even contain blood so the best remedy for controlling it is kutazghan vati. It is an herbal tablet prepared from Holarrhena antidysentrica (Kutaja) that is very effective in controlling diarrhoea and dysentery. Kutazghan vati also relieves pain in abdomen and tenderness.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Pitta Balance

Pitta dosha is aggravated severely in this condition which results in accumulation of gases and feces in the colon. Hence to treat this vitiated Pitta, Pitta balance is the remedy of choice. As the name implies it balances the Pitta dosha in the body and relieves all the complaints caused due to it. Pitta balance capsules relieve gas and heat in the body. Coral calcium (Praval pishti), Agate calcium (Akik pishti), Pearl calcium (Mukta pishti), Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) etc. All these are cooling in nature and Pitta balancing compounds.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

3. Vatsakadi Churna

This herbal churna is the combination of the Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). All these herbs act to treat IBD and its complications. Vatsakadi churna is full of medicinal properties like carminative, digestive, healing, astringent, anti-dyspeptic, and antihelmenthic. It treats digestive problems and relieves inflammation.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Arjuna Capsules

It is the natural healer and used to treat many health ailments since ages. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It helps to heal the ulcers in IBD and prevents its complications. In the case of toxic megacolon, Arjuna capsules help to treat the inflammation and relieves distention, and abnormal expansion of the intestines.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.