Fulminant colitis is a severe inflammation of the large intestine that can be life-threatening and is often a complication of ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and fatigue, and emergency care is necessary. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory drugs, blood transfusions, and surgery to remove the colon. Chronic inflammation is usually due to autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. A total colectomy may be necessary if other treatments fail.
Fulminant colitis is a life-threatening variety of inflammation of the large intestine. It can develop from any type of acute or chronic inflammatory bowel problem, although it is more commonly a complication of ulcerative colitis. A person can experience bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, and fatigue, and possibly go into shock without emergency care. Treatment may include injections of anti-inflammatory drugs and blood transfusions. Surgery to remove the colon is needed if other treatments fail to relieve the inflammation within hours.
There are different forms of colitis. Acute inflammation of the colon can be caused by food poisoning, bacterial infections, and some viruses. Long-term chronic inflammation is usually due to an autoimmune disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. While most types can be managed with specific medications and diets, there is a possibility that the irritation could suddenly engulf the entire large intestine and rectum.
When fulminant colitis occurs, a person typically develops extreme, sharp abdominal pain. Episodes of bloody and painful diarrhea can occur in rapid succession, sometimes every five to ten minutes for hours on end. The resulting loss of fluids can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to weakness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. If left untreated, the irritation and inflammation can cause the intestines to rupture. A torn colon can introduce air into the abdominal cavity and infectious pathogens into the bloodstream which can induce shock.
It is essential to visit the emergency room if you have symptoms. A doctor may provide intravenous fluids to combat dehydration and corticosteroid injections to temporarily reduce inflammation. A series of x-rays and other diagnostic imaging scans are done to determine the extent of damage to the colon and check for any ruptures. A blood transfusion may be scheduled when there is evidence that blood flow has been compromised by bacteria from a torn colon. If symptoms do not begin to improve, preparations are usually made for emergency surgery.
A total colectomy involves removing the entire colon from a person with unresponsive fulminant colitis. In most cases, a colectomy is done through a long incision along the lower abdomen. The large intestine is removed and a small hole called a stoma is made in the abdomen. The lower part of the stomach is connected to a tube to drain waste from the stoma and into a colostomy bag. A case of fulminant colitis requiring surgery can be life-changing for survivors, but with a positive attitude and a dedicated rehabilitation program, most people are able to recover.
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