Extensive or Total Colitis or Pancolitis | Definition

Extensive colitis extends along most of the colon. Extensive colitis that affects the whole colon may be called total colitis or pancolitis. Extensive or total colitis can cause very frequent diarrhoea with blood, mucus, and sometimes pus. You may also have severe abdominal cramps and pain, tenesmus, and weight loss. In milder flare-ups the main symptom may be diarrhoea or looser stools without blood. Very rarely, when the inflammation is severe, digestive gases may get trapped in the colon, making it swell up. This is known as toxic megacolon and it can cause a high fever as well as pain and tenderness in the abdomen. It is essential to get treatment quickly for this condition, as it may need surgery.

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