About Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

This site contains information from government publications about intestinal pseudo-obstruction that have been reformatted and reorganized. There are numerous links to the original documents.

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Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (false blockage) is a condition that causes symptoms like those of a bowel obstruction (blockage). But when the intestines are examined, no obstruction is found. A problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work causes the symptoms.

Pseudo-obstruction symptoms include cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, fewer bowel movements than usual, and loose stools. Over time, pseudo-obstruction can cause bacterial infections, malnutrition, and muscle problems in other parts of the body. Some people also have bladder problems.

Diseases that affect muscles and nerves, such as lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or Parkinson's disease, can cause symptoms. When a disease causes the symptoms, the condition is called secondary intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Medications that affect muscles and nerves such as opiates and antidepressants might also cause secondary pseudo-obstruction.

To diagnose the condition, the doctor will take a complete medical history, do a physical exam, and take x rays. The usual treatments are nutritional support (intravenous feeding) to prevent malnutrition and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Medication might also be given to treat intestinal muscle problems. In severe cases, surgery to remove part of the intestine might be necessary.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinalpo/index.htm

For More Information About Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Inc.
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or (414) 964-1799
Fax: (414) 964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

Additional Information on Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse collects resource information on digestive diseases for the Combined Health Information Database (CHID). CHID is a database produced by health-related agencies of the Federal Government. This database provides titles, abstracts, and availability information for health information and health education resources.

To provide you with the most up-to-date resources, information specialists at the clearinghouse created an automatic search of CHID. To obtain this information, you may view the results of the automatic search on Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction.

If you wish to perform your own search of the database, you may access the CHID Online website and search CHID yourself.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinalpo/index.htm