Toxic Megacolon: A Complication Of IBD

The large intestine is the lowest part of the digestive tract which consists of appendix, colon, and rectum where re-absorption of water occurs from the food and processing of waste products along with its elimination in the form of stool through the anus.

There can be various reasons for the malfunctioning of the large intestine. One of them is toxic dilatation of the colon or toxic mega colon. Abnormal dilatation of the mega colon is the anomaly for which these terms are used. It is a very serious medical condition which needs to be corrected as soon as possible otherwise results in severe signs and symptoms. Although it is a rare condition in which within a small span of time, widening of the large colon or intestines occur and can prove to be fatal. It is usually presented as a complication of the IBD, i.e. Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF TOXIC MEGACOLON?

Inflammatory bowel disease is the main cause of toxic mega colon. IBD comprises of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In both of them, there is irritation and swelling of the intestines, both large and small. Both of them are very painful and distressing conditions which may cause severe and permanent damage to the colon. Intestines become dilated, expanded and distended in IBD that results in the inability of those to remove stool and gas present in them. The gradually huge amount of gas and waste products build up in the colon ultimately leading to rupture of the colon. This rupturing of intestines is a life-threatening condition as due to the rupturing of the colon the normal bacteria present in them may spread to the whole body causing infection and death.

In some cases, it can also occur due to infection from Clostridium difficile.

WHAT CAN BE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC MEGACOLON?

As it can occur within a short span of time, symptoms also appear suddenly, which include:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Distention of the abdomen
• Bloating
• Fever
• Tachycardia i.e. increased heart rate
• Shock
• Diarrhea which may contain blood
• Painful bowel movements

HOW CAN TOXIC MEGACOLON BE DIAGNOSED?

It can be diagnosed through physical examination and some lab tests. Patient case history can reveal any of the inflammatory bowel diseases. During the physical examination, abdominal tenderness can be detected. Some of the lab tests can confirm the diagnosis:

• Abdominal X-ray
• Abdominal CT scan
• Blood tests like complete blood count and blood electrolytes

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR TOXIC MEGACOLON

Meaning- Digestive fire is the main of all the fires in the body. All other fires or Agni depend upon the Jatharagni as it illuminates all others. They all get strength from Digestive fire and their strength depend upon it. Hence, food consumption should be according to the nature of this digestive fire. The strong state of digestive fire provides strength, longevity, health, excitement, and intelligence to the body.

Reference- Charak Samhita, Part 2, Chikitsa sthanam, chapter no. 15, Shloka no. 39 and 40

Ayurveda has proved to be very effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and Ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, in modern medicine, these diseases are considered to be non-curable but Ayurveda treats them effectively that too only with herbal medicines. According to Ayurveda, these diseases occur due to increased Pitta dosha in the body and low digestive fire resulting in inflammation and ulceration of the colon. Toxic megacolon occurs when this disease is not treated timely or maltreated. Ayurveda can help in treating this disease as well as its complications.
Dr.Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurveda) from Planet Ayurveda has expertise in treating Ulcerative colitis and patients from worldwide consult him for their treatments. Many of them have been treated successfully. For toxic megacolon also Planet Ayurveda offers some herbal remedies which are prepared from pure extracts of herbs of the best quality. The herbs which have been used since ancient times and have specific pathogenesis in this disease are taken to prepare these herbal medicines. No artificial preservatives, chemicals, dye, additive or fillers are added in these medicines. These remedies are purely vegetarian and not tested on animals.

As it is the complication of the IBD and Ayurveda treats the diseases from its root cause hence, in this case, to treat toxic megacolon IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease must be treated so that if root cause will be eradicated, the complications will go on its own. Early intervention and proper herbal treatment is the key to prevent Toxic megacolon, a life-threatening condition.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

1. Kutzghan Vati

As in toxic megacolon there is severe diarrhea which can even contain blood so the best remedy for controlling it is kutazghan vati. It is an herbal tablet prepared from Holarrhena antidysentrica (Kutaja) that is very effective in controlling diarrhoea and dysentery. Kutazghan vati also relieves pain in abdomen and tenderness.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Pitta Balance

Pitta dosha is aggravated severely in this condition which results in accumulation of gases and feces in the colon. Hence to treat this vitiated Pitta, Pitta balance is the remedy of choice. As the name implies it balances the Pitta dosha in the body and relieves all the complaints caused due to it. Pitta balance capsules relieve gas and heat in the body. Coral calcium (Praval pishti), Agate calcium (Akik pishti), Pearl calcium (Mukta pishti), Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) etc. All these are cooling in nature and Pitta balancing compounds.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

3. Vatsakadi Churna

This herbal churna is the combination of the Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). All these herbs act to treat IBD and its complications. Vatsakadi churna is full of medicinal properties like carminative, digestive, healing, astringent, anti-dyspeptic, and antihelmenthic. It treats digestive problems and relieves inflammation.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Arjuna Capsules

It is the natural healer and used to treat many health ailments since ages. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It helps to heal the ulcers in IBD and prevents its complications. In the case of toxic megacolon, Arjuna capsules help to treat the inflammation and relieves distention, and abnormal expansion of the intestines.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

Top 4 Ayurvedic Medicines for Permanent Cure of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that is responsible to rupture large intestine or colon. This disease causes severe irritation and inflammation. According to Ayurveda panchtatva (five elements- air, water, fire, ether and earth) and tridosha (three energies- vata, pitta and kapha) are the major components of human body. Equal balance of all three energies are responsible for good health and imbalance of above three energies leads to cause various disorders. In the same way aggravation of pitta dosha in body, is responsible for causing ulcerative colitis.

In Ayurveda, Ulcerative colitis is mentioned as pittaj garahani. From ayurvedic point of view, excess intake of pitta aggravating food results in the formation of poisonous sticky material called AMA in digestive system. This material further clings to the walls of intestine and causes ulcerative colitis. To get rid of this serious illness one should avoid dairy products and foods that are responsible to accumulate extra pitta dosha in body.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Planet Ayurveda provides you the best ayurvedic medicines for ulcerative colitis in the form of Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack. Supreme quality of herbs are used to prepare this miraculous pack. Arjuna capsules, Pitta balance, Kutajghan vati and Vataskadi churna are four top ayurvedic medicines for ulcerative colitis available at house of Planet Ayurveda.

1. Arjuna Capsules

Standardized extract of bark of arjuna tree is used to prepare this formulation. Tree bark of this plant is famous for wound healing and protecting cardio vascular system. Harmful substances and free radicals are responsible for the rupture of endothelial layers of arteries. This herb is used to protect blood arteries from these toxins. It also works wonderfully on the internal lining of intestine and helps to heal intestinal wounds and ulcers. This herb is also effective for cardiovascular system and very effective in the patients that are suffering with excessive blood loss in ulcerative colitis. To improve overall strength and haemoglobin levels in body this herb is very powerful. Arjuna capsules is good anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-oxidant in nature. Herb used to prepare this powerful supplement are richest source of calcium, copper, zinc and magnesium.

Dosage – 2 capsules twice daily after meals with normal water.

2. Vataskadi Churna

Vataskadi churna is second herbal remedy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This herbal and natural blend is a powerful mixture of ayurvedic herbs that are mentioned below-

• Kutaz - Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica) is wonderful ayurvedic herb that helps to pacify pitta and kapha doshas. Basically in Ayurveda this herb is used to treat diarrhoea and irritable bowel disorder. Bark, seed, fruit and flowers of this herb are well known for its medicinal properties. But bark of this herb is antihelmintic, amoebicidal and astringent in nature. It is used to treat dysentery and other gastric disorders.
• Bilva - Bilva is second herb used to prepare this formulation. In Ayurveda, this herb is mentioned under the category shothhara herbs used to relieve excessive inflammation. In the same way it used to reduce inflammation of intestine in case of ulcerative colitis. Also used to relieve diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting and excessive thirst. Bilva is that herb which is used to regulate proper body energies.
• Saunf - Saunf is richest source of iron and very helpful to regulate normal haemoglobin levels. In Ayurveda, this herb is used to improve strength and immunity, ayurvedic term used to recognize these properties are BALYA. It is used to relieve burning sensation. Fruits, fruit oil and roots are major parts of this herb is used in various ayurvedic supplements.
• Dhania - Coriander seeds and leaves are used in Indian cuisines though this herb is also well known for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. It is categorized under sheetprashmana and trushnaprashmana gana it means this herb is used to relieve burning sensation and excessive thirst. It also used to cure pain and cramps. It is very effective in ulcerative colitis sufferers.
• Nagarmotha - Cyprus rotundus” is botanical name of nagarmotha. This plant contains numerous chemical compounds and well known for its therapeutic effects. This effective herb is used to maintain good health of digestive system.
• Anar - Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is very nutritious fruit. All the parts of this tree like fruit, bark, fruit rind and roots have medicinal properties. It helps to gain the lost blood levels and sweet fruit helps to maintain the balance between all three doshas- vata, pitta and kapha. This herb is also balya in nature provides body strength.
• Chotti Ealachi - “Elettaria cardamomum” is latin name of this herb. It is called king of spices. This herb is used as laxative and used to relieve severe pain in stomach and good for digestive system. In ulcerative colitis patients this herb helps to reduce inflammation and to prevent diarrhoea.   
• Jaiphala - Nutmeg is a very good aphrodisiac herb and used as a good digestive tonic. Very effective herb used to relieve diarrhoea with bloating and helps to reduce severe abdominal pain.

All the above mentioned herbs are used to prepare this effective herbal remedy for ulcerative colitis.

Dosage - 1 teaspoon twice daily with normal plain water after meals and you can also boil teaspoon of churna in 400ml of water, boil it until it remains 50ml. Strain and drink the water after leaving residue. You can take it twice a day and make it fresh.

3. Pitta Balance Capsules

Pitta balance is herbal formulation of mukta pishti, jahar mohra pishti, kamadhenu rasa, praval pishti, akik pishti and giloy satva. Compounds used in this herbal formualation are rich is calcium. Presence of these rich calcium compounds Calcium control the internal bleeding in ulcerative colitis and cooling properties helps to sooth the internal lining of intestine. It maintains balance between all three doshas and mainly it helps to pacify extra aggregated pitta dosha in patient. Pitta balance is herbal remedy that helps to improve digestive fire and strengthen the intestine.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with normal plain water.

4. Kutazghana Vati

Kutaja (Holarrhena dysentrica) is the herb used in the preparation of this herbal remedy for ulcerative colitis. This herb is well known for treating diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. It supports digestive system and very effective to maintain good health of intestine. In Ayurveda this herb is called shelshapittahara – herb used to pacify both kapha and pitta dosha. This herb is effective to light up digestive fire and used to relieve bleeding disorders.

Dosage - 2 tablet twice daily with normal plain water.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

Above mentions supplements are top four herbal remedies for ulcerative colitis. These herbal formulations are free from chemicals, any type of fillers and preservatives. Herbs used in above mentioned formulations are natural and pure. These all herbs makes a proper balance between all three doshas of body and promotes good digestive health.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Intussusception - Cause, Symptoms, Diagnose & Herbal Remedies

Intussusception is a form of bowel obstruction which is a serious condition wherein one segment of the intestine telescopes or slides inside of another leading to blockage or obstruction of intestine. It blocks the food and fluid from passing through. It mainly occurs at the junction of the small and large intestines. The obstruction often causes swelling and inflammation which can lead to intestinal injury. It cuts off the blood supply to the affected part of the intestine thus leading to a tear in the bowel, infection and death of the bowel tissue.

Intussusception is one of the most common abdominal emergency conditions affecting children less than 3 years of age. It is very common in babies and more common in boys than girls. In children, an X-ray procedure is able to push back the intestine in its position. In adults, intussusception is mainly due to a tumor or polyps which often requires surgery.

Intussusception may occur in colon, small bowel or between the small bowel and colon. It occurs most frequently during the fall and winter months than rest of the year.

According to Ayurveda, obstruction means upward or backward or reverse movement of vata disorder.

CAUSE OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

The cause of intussusception is unknown. Some, viral or bacterial infection of intestine might lead to intussusception. In some children, it is caused by a condition that the child is born with such as a polyp or diverticulum. It could be due to enlarged lymph nodes or blood vessel abnormality in the intestines.

Weight loss surgery or a surgery of intestinal tract is another cause of intussusception. One may get the problem due to inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.

Siblings of someone who has the problem are at more risk of getting it.

SYMPTOMS OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

The most common symptoms of intussusception are:

• Severe, crampy abdominal pain lasting for 15 minutes which alters with periods without pain for 30 minutes. This is termed as clocking pain. Small children often bring their knees to the chest when they are feeling the pain. The children are seen crying due to pain due to compression of blood vessels and nerves.
• Nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. Vomiting is not due to eating. It may be bilious or yellow green colored bitter tasting vomit.
• Rectal bleeding mixed with mucus. This is called currant jelly stool. It is a sign of lost blood supply in the bowel.
• The patient feels weak and tired.
• A lump in the abdomen can be felt. There is abdominal swelling
• Flu like symptoms are experienced by the patient.
• A weak and rapid pulse rate along with abnormal breathing, There is drop in blood pressure and the child may appear drowsy.
• Skin may look pale or gray.
• Anxiety and agitation.

DIAGNOSE OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

Early detection of intussusception is very important as it is a serious condition which is life threatening. Early diagnoses helps to prevent damage of the intestine.

A doctor can diagnose the problem by checking the symptoms of the patient.  A stethoscope can be used to hear the diminished bowel sounds. Abdominal lump can be felt by the doctor.

Abdominal X-rays and ultrasound are done to confirm intestinal obstruction. A barium, water soluble contrast or air enema is performed.

TREATMENT OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

The treatment is determined depending on the extent of the problem and the current health of the patient.

Planet Ayurveda offers a range of effective products that help in managing the symptoms of Intussusception and fixing the problem in a natural way. The products offered by Planet Ayurveda are completely safe to be used by small children. The products are made using 100% standardized and pure herbs and are free from any kind of preservatives, binders, fillers etc.

Herbal Remedies for Intussusception

THE PRODUCTS USEFUL IN TREATING INTUSSUSCEPTION ARE FOLLOWING

1. Digestion Support Capsules

As the name suggests this product helps in improving the digestive system. The product is a blend of unique herbs like haritaki, cumin, piper, and fennel. All these herbs act together to control acidity, gas, flatulence and other symptoms relating to intussusception.

The recommended dosage for Digestion Support Capsules is 2 capsules twice a day with plain wate, after meals.

2. Mahasankh Vati

The product is formulated using excellent herbs like pippali, chitraka, danti, shudh parad, shudh tankan, sarjakshar and yavkshar. The medicine helps in balancing the three energies of the body: Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. Thereby the product helps in maintaining healthy metabolism. It relieves bloating or gas, diarrhea and acidity.

The recommended dosage for Mahasankh Vati is 2 tablets twice daily with plain water, after half an hour of the meals.

3 and 4. Vatsakadi Churna Mixed With Vara Churna (Triphala Powder)

These are two pure Ayurvedic products in powdered form that have shown excellent results in conditions like dysentery, diarrhea, irregular digestion or any other intestine relating condition.  The churna Vatsakadhu is a blend of powerful herbs like saunf, bilv, dhania, anar, chhoti elaichi, jaiphal while Vara churna is a herbal formulation of herbs like Haritaki, Amalaka and Bhibhitaki.  These are also known as The Myrobalans.

The powdered mixed together helps the body get rid of all accumulated toxins thereby cleaning the colon in natural way. The medicine helps in overcoming weakness too.

The recommended dosage for the Vatsakadi churna mixed with Vara churna (Triphala powder)  is 1 tsp with warm water and should be consumed in the evening .

The products offered by Planet Ayurveda helps in supporting the overall health of the patient.

It is advised to address dehydration when the symptoms arises. One can administer hydrating enemas at home. Orally take 2 ounces of castor oil to clean and lubricate the intestines. Virgin coconut oil can also be taken.

The patients are advised to take raw fats in order to provide hydration and lubrication to the intestines.

Vegetables like okra or lady fingers and fruits like coconuts, water melon can be taken.

If left untreated , the intussusception can cause internal bleeding and severe abdominal infection known as peritonitis.