acquired megacolon
Quick Summary
Acquired megacolon is a condition characterized by the massive enlargement and dilation of the large intestine. This condition typically develops in childhood due to a combination of improper toilet training and emotional issues that lead to a child withholding defecation. Over time, this can damage the intestinal wall's nerve supply, causing the rectum to fill with impacted feces and the colon to enlarge progressively.12
In adults, acquired megacolon can be linked to certain medications, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, scleroderma, or amyloidosis. Treatment often involves psychiatric intervention to re-establish bowel training, and in severe cases, surgical removal of parts of the colon may be necessary.12
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- megacolon
…megacolon, or Hirschsprung disease, and acquired megacolon. In congenital megacolon, the lowermost portion of the large intestine is congenitally lacking in normal nerve fibres; thus, peristalsis, or involuntary contractions, of the muscles of this part of the intestine cannot occur, and the bowel’s contents are not pushed onward. The area…
Read More…megacolon, or Hirschsprung disease, and acquired megacolon. In congenital megacolon, the lowermost portion of the large intestine is congenitally lacking in normal nerve fibres; thus, peristalsis, or involuntary contractions, of the muscles of this part of the intestine cannot occur, and the bowel’s contents are not pushed onward. The area…
Read More - digestive system diseaseAcquired megacolon
Acquired megacolon is commonly caused by a combination of faulty toilet training and emotional disorders during childhood, in which the child withholds defecation. The administration of increasing amounts of laxatives fails to solve the problem permanently, and over time the intrinsic innervation in…
Read MoreAcquired megacolon is commonly caused by a combination of faulty toilet training and emotional disorders during childhood, in which the child withholds defecation. The administration of increasing amounts of laxatives fails to solve the problem permanently, and over time the intrinsic innervation in…
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