How is pseudo-obstruction treated?

Medications

1. antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
2. pain medication, which should be used sparingly, if at all, because most pain medications delay intestinal transit.
3. medication to make intestinal muscles contract.
4. antinausea medications.
5. antidiarrheal medications.
6. laxatives.

What causes acute colonic pseudo-obstruction?

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction usually occurs in hospitalized or institutionalized patients in association with a severe illness or after surgery and in conjunction with a metabolic imbalance or administration of culprit medication (table 1) [1-5].

Is pseudo-obstruction curable?

There is no cure for primary chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. It is important that nutrition and hydration is maintained, and pain relief is given. Drugs that increase the propulsive force of the intestines have been tried, as have different types of surgery.

Is intestinal pseudo-obstruction fatal?

This condition is known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also called Ogilvie syndrome or acute colonic ileus. ACPO can lead to serious complications and can be life-threatening.

What does pseudo-obstruction feel like?

physically blocking the passage of food and other material through the GI tract. In individuals with CIP no such physical obstruction is present, hence the term pseudo-obstruction. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling (distention) and constipation.

What is the difference between paralytic ileus and pseudo-obstruction?

Pseudo-obstruction is clearly limited to the colon alone, whereas ileus involves both the small bowel and colon. The right colon is involved in classic pseudo-obstruction, which typically occurs in elderly bedridden patients with serious extraintestinal illness or in trauma patients.

What is pseudo-obstruction?

The term “pseudo-obstruction” refers to a group of gastrointestinal disorders with similar characteristics that can have a variety of causes. The symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction are caused by a problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work.

Why does peristalsis stop?

Typically, muscles in the intestines contract and relax to cause a wave-like motion called peristalsis. This movement helps food to travel through the intestines. When an ileus occurs, it stops peristalsis and prevents the passage of food particles, gas, and liquids through the digestive tract.

What are the warning signs of a bowel obstruction?

Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:

• Crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes.
• Loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Vomiting.
• Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
• Swelling of the abdomen.

Is pseudo-obstruction painful?

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction leads to a buildup of partially digested food in the intestines. This buildup can cause abdominal swelling (distention) and pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.

What is treatment for intestinal pseudo obstruction?

If intestinal pseudo-obstruction is caused by an illness or medication, the doctor will treat the underlying illness or stop the medication. Treatment may include medications, such as antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, pain medication, and medication to treat intestinal muscle problems.

What are the most common signs of bowel obstruction?

What Are the Symptoms of Partial Bowel Obstruction? Abdominal Pain. If the bowel is partially blocked, contents of the intestine can start to back up and cause cramping as well as bloating and distention. Nausea and Vomiting. If you have a partial blockage, you may feel full after eating just a small amount of food. Constipation and Diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of colon obstruction?

However, there can be a serious problem if this problem is not treated. The symptoms of colon obstruction are reduced appetite, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, swelling in abdomen area, and others. These symptoms can cause a serious problem for a person.

Will colonoscopy detect bowel obstruction?

Then they’ll do a colonoscopy to see the obstruction. A colonoscopy will reveal if there’s a blockage or if the intestine is twisted. Get a CT-scan, X-rays, and blood tests, if necessary. If your doctor suspects that you have a blockage in your bowels, they’ll order a CT-scan and/or an X-ray, as well as blood tests.