Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Treatment for an Enlarged Colon?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Also known as a megacolon, an enlarged colon is a condition in which the large intestine or colon expands beyond what is considered a normal size, due to the presence of some type of blockage. Determining the proper treatment for an enlarged colon requires identifying the underlying causes for the development of the megacolon, then addressing those causes and finding a way to deal with the resulting symptoms. A number of health issues can cause the colon or large intestine to swell and become blocked, ranging from a temporary inflammation caused by an infection to a more enduring health problem like Crohn’s disease. Depending on the exact reasons, treatments may range from making dietary changes that cause less irritation to the use of medication to alleviate symptoms and infection, and may even include the need to undergo surgery.

When the enlarged colon is due to some type of infection that leads to temporary blockage, the course of treatment normally focuses on alleviating the pain and discomfort while also helping to reduce the infection. To this end, over the counter medication may be used to help reduce the fever and aches that are common with a megacolon. At the same time, antibiotics that can aid in reducing and ultimately healing the infection will be administered. Depending on the nature of the blockage, a doctor may also recommend the use of some type of laxative to aid the expulsion of the collected waste materials as a means of helping to minimize discomfort and allow the large intestine to begin healing.

Medication may be required to treat an enlarged colon.
Medication may be required to treat an enlarged colon.

When the underlying reason is attributed to the presence of Crohn’s disease or some similar ongoing health issue, the treatment will often focus on providing some type of relief for the pain. Typically, changing the diet to avoid certain foods that are likely to trigger an attack will be part of the overall treatment strategy. In addition, prescription medications formulated to help reduce the swelling and ease the pain will also be part of the approach. With a proper balance of medication and diet, it is possible to reduce the number of flare-ups experienced during the course of a year and allow the Crohn’s sufferer to enjoy a higher quality of life.

Surgery may be required to treat an enlarged colon.
Surgery may be required to treat an enlarged colon.

At times, no combination of medicine and other measures is sufficient to treat the enlarged colon. When this is the case, the only alternative may be to remove all or a portion of the large intestine. Considered a last resort, a surgical procedure known as an abdominal colectomy may be employed, with the goal being to leave as much of the large intestine in place as possible. Recovery from the surgery will often require rest for at least a week, the gradual reintroduction of liquids and soft foods as the bowels begin to function properly again, and taking steps to follow a dietary plan that minimizes stress on the bowels and remaining intestines.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

rburow

This surgery to remove a portion of the colon, or abdominal colectomy, is not to be confused with colon cancer surgery. The removal of the intestine, in this case has less to do with a colon mass (tumor), and more to do with a massive colon.

A couple of enlarged colon symptoms that are not addressed in the article are:

Cramping in the abdominal area or a dull ache, nearly constant diarrhea (up to twenty times a day), fever, weight loss and anemia. These are also symptoms of Crohnes disease.

Ahmerus

Recovery from surgery to remove a portion of the large intestine is only a week? That doesn't seem like very long. Surprising.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Medication may be required to treat an enlarged colon.
      By: sutichak
      Medication may be required to treat an enlarged colon.
    • Surgery may be required to treat an enlarged colon.
      By: derege
      Surgery may be required to treat an enlarged colon.
    • Temporary inflammation caused by infection can cause the colon to swell.
      By: ancroft
      Temporary inflammation caused by infection can cause the colon to swell.
    • In some cases, a diet that is based around vegetables and other high-fiber, low-fat foods can help treat an enlarged colon.
      By: Photographee.eu
      In some cases, a diet that is based around vegetables and other high-fiber, low-fat foods can help treat an enlarged colon.
    • An enlarged colon describes a large intestine that has expanded beyond the normal size due to some kind of obstruction.
      By: stockshoppe
      An enlarged colon describes a large intestine that has expanded beyond the normal size due to some kind of obstruction.