If you think your child has toxic megacolon, what should you do first?

Call Dr. or go to ER: Toxic megacolon is a serious problem. Parents need to contact the primary care doctor or gastro-intestinal specialist. Hospitalization and treatment is needed. The large intestine, already stressed by inflammatory bowel disease or infection, one day stops moving and dilates full of air. The infection can spread throughout the large intestine, into the blood, and cause sepsis, shock, and death.

Go to the nearest ER: This is a life- threatening illness that requires immediate treatment.

Act quickly: Go to emergency room, let your doctor know. An abdominal film will help confirm the presence or absence of toxic megacolon.