Symptom 2: Acute Abdominal Pain
Most of us have experienced abdominal pain at some point in our lives. It’s a broad spectrum: from the mild discomfort of overeating to the sharp cramps of a stomach bug. But the pain associated with toxic megacolon? That’s a league of its own.
This isn’t the dull, lingering ache of indigestion. Instead, envision a sharp, sudden, piercing pain that commands your immediate attention. More often than not, it’s localized, which means you’ll feel it predominantly in one region of the abdomen, usually the lower half. Its intensity can vary, but its persistence is a hallmark.
The root cause? As the colon becomes inflamed and distended, it places pressure on surrounding organs and tissues. This internal pressure, coupled with the inflammation, results in significant discomfort. Add to this the body’s natural inflammatory response, and you have a recipe for intense pain.
Given the myriad of reasons for abdominal pain, you might wonder why this particular pain warrants such concern. The distinction lies in its suddenness and severity. If you typically have a high pain threshold and suddenly find yourself doubling over, or if over-the-counter painkillers aren’t making a dent, it’s time to raise the alarm. (2)
