Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate threats
Immediate threats
Hemodynamic instability
If hypotension, resuscitation bay
If shock, broad differential including sepsis, hemorrhage, perforation
Toxic megacolon concern
If severe abdominal distension with systemic toxicity, immediate abdominal radiograph
If colonic diameter 6 cm or greater with toxicity, urgent GI and surgery
Peritonitis concern
If rigidity or rebound, CT abdomen pelvis with IV contrast and surgical consult
Massive gastrointestinal bleeding
If ongoing large volume hematochezia with instability, massive transfusion pathway
Severe dehydration and electrolyte derangement
If altered mental status or arrhythmia risk, telemetry and rapid correction
Initial stabilization bundle
Stabilization bundle
Monitoring and access
Continuous pulse oximetry
Cardiac monitor for significant electrolyte abnormality
Two large bore IV lines
Fluid resuscitation
Isotonic crystalloid bolus for hypovolemia
Reassess after each bolus using blood pressure and urine output
Early antibiotics only when indicated
If sepsis, perforation, abscess, or cholangitis, initiate broad spectrum coverage
If uncomplicated acute severe ulcerative colitis without infection, avoid adjunctive antibiotics
Early specialty activation
GI consult for hospitalized flare or acute severe ulcerative colitis
Surgery consult for toxic megacolon, perforation, refractory hemorrhage, obstruction not improving
Medication safety
Avoid NSAIDs
Avoid antimotility agents if severe colitis or megacolon concern
If high dose steroids planned, infection workup before initiation when feasible
Severity triage targets
Severity triage
Acute severe ulcerative colitis screen
Stool frequency 6 or more per day with blood
Systemic toxicity features
Temperature 37.8 C or higher
Heart rate 90 or higher
Hemoglobin low for age and sex
CRP elevated
Complicated Crohn disease screen
Obstructive symptoms
Suspected intraabdominal abscess
Perianal sepsis
High fever or sepsis physiology
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.