Yuck The Book

My husband had some organic shells with cheddar and it put him in pain again after two days with way less pain.

Then he sent me this article...https://healthytraditions.com/pages/glyphosate-tested

"Organic Wheat not much Better than Conventional Wheat in Glyphosate Residue

Tropical Traditions decided to test this research on our own. We bought commercially available conventional (non-organic) wheat products from Canada, Montana, and South Dakota, and sent them to a well-known and respected laboratory to test for glyphosate.

All tested positive for glyphosate residue. The range was from 0.07 mg/kg to 0.09 mg/kg.

Keep in mind this is glyphosate found in non-GMO crops. For a GMO crop such as GMO soybeans, which are sprayed heavily with glyphosate, the range is typically between 3.3 and 5.7 mg/kg. (Source)

Next, we tested USDA certified organic wheat. Glyphosate is not allowed to be sprayed on organic wheat according to USDA organic standards. Sadly, we did find the presence of glyphosate residue in organic wheat, and other organic grains, including organic barley, oats, spelt, and einkorn. The range was from 0.03 to 0.o6 mg/kg, just slightly lower than the conventional grains we tested.

The only organic grains we tested that tested clean were organic rye and organic millet.

USDA Organic Standards Allow for Pesticide Residues
glyphosate-mask
Image from Cornucopia.org.

The USDA organic standards change so much that it is hard to keep up with what the latest standards are. We knew, for example, that the EPA had just increased the limit of glyphosate allowed in food in 2013, despite a loud public outcry. (See: EPA Raised Residue Limits of Monsanto’s Glyphosate Herbicide).

So we were not too surprised to learn that the levels of glyphosate we were finding in organic grain products were within the limits allowed by the USDA for organic certification."

https://healthytraditions.com/pages/glyphosate-tested

A good list to keep handy when trying to eat a low fodmap diet. I was looking at this for my husband, but thinking maybe it's more of what I should be following.

https://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/

The low FODMAP diet can be challenging but this helpful food list makes the diet so much easier to follow. Simply have a read of the list to familiarize yourself with what you can and can’t eat. During the elimination, phase try to restrict high FODMAP foods from the bad list and try and eat the low FODMAP foods from the good list. You can also print a more concise printable FODMAP food list.

My husband just sent me this article after I bought him what I thought would be comfort food. It was Cozy Shack Flan. Now I know this is not the healthiest choice for a snack. But we haven't had it in like 14 years, even then it was only once a month. So I guess I was going back in time. And thought maybe it would help him gain weight. But it has Carrageenan in it which is not good for intestines. Yikes! Glad he didn't eat it.

https://wellnessmama.com/2925/carrageenan/?fbclid=IwAR1i2e2EUga2bNji2s7l2gil-s3ISRJL072aJ9tjsF4eD34PJprn1LqvkI4

"Although derived from a natural source, it appears to be particularly destructive to the digestive system, triggering an immune response similar to that your body has when invaded by pathogens like Salmonella. The result: “It predictably causes inflammation, which can lead to ulcerations and bleeding,” explains veteran researcher Joanne Tobacman, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois School of Medicine at Chicago. She says the food ingredient irritates by activating an immune response that dials up inflammation. Her previous work showed a concerning connection between carrageenan and gastrointestinal cancer in lab animals, and she’s involved with ongoing research funded through the National Institutes of Health that is investigating carrageenan’s effect on ulcerative colitis and other diseases like diabetes.

The concern over food-grade carrageenan isn’t new. Beginning in the 1960s, researchers started linking the ingredient to gastrointestinal disease in lab animals, including ulcerative colitis, intestinal lesions, and colon cancer.

I think I'll try making vegetable broth for healing my husband and see how he reacts. It's his idea, so I'll combine the ingredients he wants. I know celery is one of them and maybe garlic. Those are both foods I hate, so I think I'll have any.

This article has a recipe: https://www.organicauthority.com/eco-chic-table/a-vegan-bone-broth-recipe

It says..."Vegan 'Bone Broth' Recipe is Way Healthier for You Than the Other Stuff...Particularly adept at promoting collagen production are foods including seaweed, celery, soybeans, kale, beets, spinach and olive oil - and they happen to make one delicious vegan ‘bone broth’ recipe. They're also rich in minerals (like calcium noted above), and phytonutrients that boost immune system health. Unlike animal products, which are highly acidic, a vegetable broth is alkaline and can bring balance to a body that's too acidic (from likely culprits: coffee, alcohol, meat and sugar)."

Another test to buy that looks at your hair to determine your food intolerances. They even have a family package on this one. So this might be on the list to buy so that my whole family stays healthy. For a family of 6, the cost is $415.

That for 650 different food and non-food items, 50 nutritional items, and 50 metal (toxicity).

https://offer.modernallergymanagement.com/healthy-diet26799498?fbclid=IwAR2PBBEFuOZz-xR-bTjTxnjmq5iMwKsF8QLq_7NSI-tBkkQc08Td1DNdaQE

From website ---

"FOOD AND NON-FOODS, MINERALS, NUTRITIONAL AND METALS (TOXICITY) - We use the latest in Bio technology resonance hair testing, the intolerance test 650 different food and non food items, 50 nutritional items and 50 metal (toxicity) items to see which of those items might cause you a reaction due to having an intolerance. A report of your potential intolerances will be emailed to you within 10 business days of when our lab receives your sample."

I could stay up all night watching all the F***l Microbial Transplant videos on youtube, but I guess I won't!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=f***l+transplant

Looks like the nearest gastrologist on board with the latest treatments for C. diff is in Saratogo Springs or Syracuse. Both are around a 90-minute drive. I knew my area was in the stone age. Another reason it's not any fun to live in the country.

If you are a patient seeking treatment, please note that OpenBiome and its partners are only able to provide FMT for recurrent C. diff. To treat any other condition, you must be treated through a clinical trial. You can search for trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

https://www.openbiome.org/find-a-doctor

Find a Doctor — OpenBiome We partner with clinicians at over 1,000 hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices across all 50 U.S. states to support access to f***l microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.

Other peoples healthy p**p is so expensive! A one-time transplant is $1595 and a bottle with 30 capsules is $1950.

https://www.openbiome.org/treatment-information

Viome's Gut Intelligence test kit can be delivered right to your home! All you have to do is send them a p**p sample within 30 days and they will tell you all about your gut's microbiome.

https://www.viome.com/our-science

The Viome test + app is so cool! I really want to get one of these done on my whole family to find out which foods are a problem. It comes up with a list of foods you should and should not eat by using artificial intelligence.

The cost is $200, but they won't ship to NY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABYKlHNoJaE

Guide to Viome's Results

This is a good sample of what it looks like to eat 5 meals a day. I wonder if it adds up to enough calories to get my husband out of bed.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/low-fiber-diet/art-20048511

If you're eating a low-fiber diet, a typical menu might look like:

Breakfast
- 1 glass of milk, if tolerated
- 1 egg
- 1 slice of white toast with smooth jelly
- 1/2 cup canned peaches

Snack
- 1 cup of yogurt if tolerated, without seeds or nuts

Lunch
-1 to 2 cups of chicken noodle soup
- Crackers
- Sandwich of drained tuna with mayonnaise on white bread
- Canned applesauce
- Flavored water or iced tea

Snack
- White toast, bread or crackers
- 2 slices of cheese or 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, if tolerated
- Flavored water

Dinner
- 3 ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish
- 1/2 cup of white rice
- 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables (carrots or green beans)
- White dinner roll with butter
- Hot tea

Prepare all foods so that they're tender. Good cooking methods include simmering, poaching, stewing, steaming and braising. Baking or microwaving in a covered dish is another option.

Try to avoid roasting, broiling and grilling — methods that tend to make foods dry and tough. You may also want to avoid fried foods and spices.

Keep in mind that you may have fewer bowel movements and smaller stools while you're following a low-fiber diet. To avoid constipation, you may need to drink extra fluids. Drink plenty of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Results
Eating a low-fiber diet will limit your bowel movements and help ease diarrhea or other symptoms of abdominal conditions, such as abdominal pain. Once your digestive system has returned to normal, you can slowly reintroduce fiber into your diet.

Risks
Because a low-fiber diet restricts what you can eat, it can be difficult to meet your nutritional needs. You should use a low-fiber diet only as long as directed by your doctor. If you must continue eating this diet for a longer time, consult a registered dietitian to make sure your nutritional needs are being met.

High fiber foods to avoid if you have ulcerative colitis:

- Whole-wheat or whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta
- Brown or wild rice and other whole grains, such as oats, kasha, barley and quinoa
-Dried fruits and prune juice
- Raw fruit, including those with seeds, skin or membranes, such as berries
- Raw or undercooked vegetables, including corn
- Dried beans, peas and lentils
- Seeds and nuts and foods containing them, including peanut butter and other nut butters
- Coconut
- Popcorn

Info from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/low-fiber-diet/art-20048511

Go shopping for some "crap" food for my husband. It will still be organic, but basically a typical american diet white bread. This is how his mom has eaten for years after having part of her intestines removed years ago. Didn't think this is the road we'd go down with my husband.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/low-fiber-diet/art-20048511

Article ---

Definition
Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains not digested by your body. A low-fiber diet restricts these foods. As a result, the amount of undigested material passing through your large intestine is limited and stool bulk is lessened.

A low-fiber diet may be recommended for a number of conditions or situations. It is sometimes called a restricted-fiber diet.

Purpose
Your doctor may prescribe a low-fiber diet if:

You have narrowing of the bowel due to a tumor or an inflammatory disease
You have had bowel surgery
You are having treatment, such as radiation, that damages or irritates your digestive tract
As your digestive system returns to normal, you usually can slowly add more fiber back into your diet.

Diet details
A low-fiber diet limits the types of vegetables, fruits and grains that you can eat. Occasionally, your doctor also may want you to limit the amount of milk and milk products in your diet. Milk doesn't contain fiber, but it may contribute to discomfort or diarrhea, especially if you're lactose intolerant.

The ability to digest food varies from person to person. Depending on your condition and tolerance, your doctor may recommend a diet that is more or less restricted.

If you're eating a low-fiber diet, be sure to read food labels. Foods you might not expect — such as yogurt, ice cream, cereal and even beverages — can have added fiber. Look for foods that have no more than 1 gram of fiber in a serving.

Foods that are generally allowed on a low-fiber diet include:

White bread without nuts and seeds
White rice, plain white pasta, and crackers
Refined hot cereals, such as Cream of Wheat, or cold cereals with less than 1 gram of fiber per serving
Pancakes or waffles made from white refined flour
Most canned or well-cooked vegetables and fruits without skins or seeds
Fruit and vegetable juice with little or no pulp, fruit-flavored drinks, and flavored waters
Tender meat, poultry, fish, eggs and tofu
Milk and foods made from milk — such as yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cheeses and sour cream — if tolerated
Butter, margarine, oils and salad dressings without seeds

How To Make Celery Juice

https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/how-to-make-celery-juice?

Plain, fresh celery juice is one of the most powerful healing juices available to us. This clean, green drink is the very best way to start your day. Make this juice a part of your daily routine, and soon you won’t want to go a day without it!

Ingredients:
1 bunch of celery

Directions:
Rinse the celery and run it through a juicer. Drink immediately for best results.

Alternatively, you can chop the celery and blend it in a high-speed blender until smooth. Don’t add water or ice for the greatest healing benefits, use only celery. Strain the blended celery well through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or nut milk bag and drink immediately.

CELERY JUICE TIPS

If you want to heal and improve your health quickly and efficiently, follow this routine:

* Every morning, drink 16 ounces or more of celery juice on an empty stomach. Make sure it’s fresh, plain celery juice with no other ingredients. Celery juice is a medicinal, not a caloric drink, so you’ll still need breakfast afterward to power you through the morning. Simply wait at least 15 to 30 minutes after drinking your celery juice before consuming anything else.

* If you’re sensitive and 16 ounces is too much, start with a smaller amount and work your way up. You can also drink more than 16 ounces. Many people love to drink 32 ounces daily.

* Use organic celery whenever possible. If you’re using conventional celery, be sure to wash it especially well before juicing.

* If you find the taste of straight celery juice too strong, you can juice one cucumber and/or one apple with the celery. This is a great option as you get adjusted to the flavor. As you get used to it, keep increasing the ratio of celery until your juice is only celery; the greatest benefits come when celery juice is consumed on its own.

I hope you will bring celery juice into your life soon—doing so will deeply support you in healing.

Learn more about the miraculous healing powers of celery juice in the books Medical Medium Thyroid Healing & Medical Medium Liver Rescue.

Maybe celery juicing will help with colitis. We have a juice man juicer in the barn. I'll pick up some tomorrow and see if my husband can try it for 5 days.

https://www.medicalmedium.com/celery-juice/celery-juice-helps-heal-crohn-s-colitis-and-ibs

Maybe there is hope if all my husband has is C. Diff...

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/uvm-study-explores-a-f***l-transplant-cure/Content?oid=4600602

One week after celebrating her 80th birthday in December 2015, "Iris" contracted Clostridium difficile, a serious colon infection that causes fever, nausea, severe abdominal pain and debilitating diarrhea.

"It's most unpleasant. You feel lousy and you lose weight," says the Chittenden County resident, who requested anonymity for this story. "It's all bad. I wouldn't wish it on anyone."

C. diff, as the bacterial bug is commonly known, typically is found in and transmitted through contact with f***l matter. It's often contracted in health care facilities by elderly patients or those undergoing long-term antibiotic treatment, which can kill off the digestive tract's "good" bacteria along with the "bad." In Iris' case, she picked up the infection in the community, but was soon hospitalized when her doctor became concerned about her chances for recovery.

And with good reason. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2015, nearly a half million Americans contracted C. diff. Of those, at least 15,000 died, though some estimates put the number as high as 50,000. Today, it's one of the leading hospital-acquired infections.

C. diff can be very difficult to treat, especially when patients contract an antibiotic-resistant strain. In Iris' case, she suffered two recurrences in as many months before her gastroenterologist, Dr. Peter Moses at the University of Vermont Medical Center, recommended an unusual treatment: f***l microbiota transplantation (FMT), aka a stool transplant.

What is a Chromoendoscopy?

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/colitis-diagnosis-testing.html

"Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to look for any polyps or pre-cancerous changes in the setting of colitis. Chromoendoscopy is a technique of spraying a blue liquid dye during the colonoscopy in order to increase the ability of the endoscopist specialist to detect slight changes in the lining of your intestine. The technique may identify early or flat polyps which can be biopsied or removed. It is common to have blue bowel movements for a short time following this procedure."

What is a Endoscopy and Biopsy?

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/colitis-diagnosis-testing.html

"Your doctor may recommend endoscopy, which is the use of medical instruments to visually examine the interior of your colon with a lighted tube that is inserted through the a**s. Your doctor may recommend two types of endoscopic examinations: a sigmoidoscopy and a total colonoscopy.

Sigmoidoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible instrument into the re**um and lower colon that allows the doctor to visualize the extent and degree of inflammation in these areas.
Total colonoscopy is a similar exam, but it visualizes the entire colon.
During these procedures, your doctor may wish to obtain a sample of affected tissue, called a biopsy. Biopsied tissues are then analyzed in pathology to determine the presence of disease.

While endoscopy and biopsy may sound invasive, modern medical technology and techniques have made these procedures virtually painless and easily accomplished during an outpatient visit."

What are Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in your digestive tract. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/multimedia/diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis/img-20006098

Info on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and re**um. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.

Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. While it has no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of the disease and even bring about long-term remission.

Symptoms: Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Signs and symptoms may include:

- Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Re**al pain
- Re**al bleeding — passing small amount of blood with stool
- Urgency to defecate
- Inability to defecate despite urgency
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- In children, failure to grow

Most people with ulcerative colitis have mild to moderate symptoms. The course of ulcerative colitis may vary, with some people having long periods of remission.

Types: Doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:

- Ulcerative proctitis. Inflammation is confined to the area closest to the a**s (re**um), and re**al bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. This form of ulcerative colitis tends to be the mildest.

- Proctosigmoiditis. Inflammation involves the re**um and sigmoid colon (lower end of the colon). Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus).

- Left-sided colitis. Inflammation extends from the re**um up through the sigmoid and descending colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss.

- Pancolitis. Pancolitis often affects the entire colon and causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.

- Acute severe ulcerative colitis. This rare form of colitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhea, bleeding, fever and inability to eat.

When to see a doctor: See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or if you have signs and symptoms such as:

- Abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Ongoing diarrhea that doesn't respond to medications
- Diarrhea that awakens you from sleep
- An unexplained fever lasting more than a day or two

Although ulcerative colitis usually isn't fatal, it's a serious disease that, in some cases, may cause life-threatening complications.

Causes: The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don't cause ulcerative colitis.

One possible cause is an immune system malfunction. When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too.

Heredity also seems to play a role in that ulcerative colitis is more common in people who have family members with the disease. However, most people with ulcerative colitis don't have this family history.

Risk factors: Ulcerative colitis affects about the same number of women and men. Risk factors may include:

- Age. Ulcerative colitis usually begins before the age of 30. But, it can occur at any age, and some people may not develop the disease until after age 60.

- Race or ethnicity. Although whites have the highest risk of the disease, it can occur in any race. If you're of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, your risk is even higher.

- Family history. You're at higher risk if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease.
Complications

Possible complications of ulcerative colitis include:

Severe bleeding
A hole in the colon (perforated colon)
Severe dehydration
Liver disease (rare)
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Inflammation of your skin, joints and eyes
An increased risk of colon cancer
A rapidly swelling colon (toxic megacolon)
Increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries

Although my hubby disagree, I think some sort of colitis is what is causing him pain. It may be left-sided colitis or another name.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319956.php

I'm really trying to get to the root of this so I know exactly what I'm up against. I'm not sure how to ease his pain so he can heal naturally.

F***l microbial transplant gives him bacteria, but it doesn't heal damage or ulcers.

---- from article ---

What is left-sided colitis?

Left-sided colitis, or distal ulcerative colitis, is a form of ulcerative colitis that extends from the re**um up the colon and stops at the splenic flexure, which is the point where the colon bends.

Ulcerative colitis stems from an unusual response of the body's immune system that leads to inflammation in the intestinal tract. This inflammation causes small ulcers in the lining of the colon that create mucus and pus and lead to other symptoms.

Left-sided colitis is a chronic condition. Once diagnosed, people usually continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives. There is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis.

I'm thinking my hubby does not have Megacolon because he doesn't have a swollen belly, but I could be wrong, maybe you can still have this and not have a swollen belly.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/toxic-megacolon

"Toxic megacolon is a complication of these conditions:

- Ulcerative colitis. This is an inflammatory bowel disease. It usually affects the colon and re**um.

- Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel disease. It can affect any part of the digestive tract.

- Infections of the colon. These can be caused by C difficile. This is a germ that can lead to symptoms ranging from diarrhea to a possibly deadly colon inflammation. Other infections can also cause the problem.

- Ischemia. Low blood flow to the colon.

- In rare situation, colon cancer.

Other risk factors include diabetes, organ transplants, kidney failure, suppressed immunity, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."

A subset of patients with ulcerative colitis requires glucocorticoids to control symptoms while others continue to have symptoms despite glucocorticoid treatment.

Glucocorticoids are intended for short-term use only, and patients should be transitioned to safer, effective medical therapies or referred to surgery if their disease cannot be well controlled when glucocorticoids are discontinued.

This topic review will discuss the approach to managing adults with steroid-refractory and steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis. A general overview of the management of mild to moderate and severe or fulminant ulcerative colitis and the management of left-sided colitis are presented separately. (See "Management of severe ulcerative colitis in adults" and "Management of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in adults".)

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions of ulcerative colitis have been proposed [1-5]:

●Steroid-responsive disease – Clinical response to high-dose glucocorticoids (prednisone 40 to 60 mg per day or equivalent) within 30 days for oral therapy or 7 to 10 days for intravenous therapy.

●Steroid-dependent disease – Ulcerative colitis is defined as steroid-dependent if glucocorticoids cannot be tapered to less than 10 mg per day within three months of starting steroids, without recurrent disease, or if relapse occurs within three months of stopping glucocorticoids.

What is Ulcerative Colitis? More from uptodate website - https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-severe-ulcerative-colitis-in-adults?topicRef=1381&source=see_link

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Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by relapsing and remitting episodes of inflammation limited to the mucosal layer of the colon. It almost invariably involves the re**um, and may extend in a proximal and continuous fashion to involve other portions of the colon.

Patients with severe presentations of ulcerative colitis are generally categorized as having either severe or fulminant ulcerative colitis:

●Patients with a severe ulcerative colitis have frequent loose bloody stools (≥6 per day) with severe cramps and evidence of systemic toxicity as demonstrated by a fever (temperature ≥37.5°C), tachycardia (heart rate [HR] ≥90 beats/minute), anemia (hemoglobin

From the website Uptodate. A paid membership is needed to see the whole article - https://www.uptodate.com/contents/toxic-megacolon

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Toxic megacolon is a potentially lethal complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infectious colitis that is characterized by total or segmental nonobstructive colonic dilatation plus systemic toxicity [1-3]. Although toxic megacolon is most commonly considered a complication of IBD, especially ulcerative colitis and to a less extent Crohn's disease, in reality almost any inflammatory condition of the colon could lead to toxic dilatation.

Colonic dilatation is also observed in patients with other disease processes. However, the lack of systemic toxicity distinguishes these presentations from true toxic megacolon. (See 'Differential diagnosis' below.)

In this topic, we discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of toxic megacolon. The management of severe or fulminant ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile colitis, which could lead to toxic megacolon, is also discussed in other topics:

●(See "Management of severe ulcerative colitis in adults".)

●(See "Overview of medical management of high-risk, adult patients with moderate to severe Crohn disease".)