What is Intestinal Pseudoobstruction?

Intestinal pseudoobstruction is a rare medical condition that mainly affects young children, the elderly and the infirm. The symptoms mimic those of an intestinal blockage, but no blockage can be found during an examination. The condition affects the patient's ability to digest food properly and absorb nutrients. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the gastrointestinal tract affected.

Normal gastrointestinal tracts produce contractions that push the food through the intestines. Intestinal pseudoobstruction occurs when the intestinal tract fails to produce these contractions. This usually occurs because of cellular damage to the nerves or muscles.

Intestinal pseudoobstruction rarely occurs in healthy adults. Some children are born with chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIP), while older people may develop acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also called Ogilvie syndrome. Bedridden patients, chronic users of narcotic medications, patients who have undergone a surgical procedure such as pelvic surgery or a Cesarean section, and people with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy are also at risk.

Most patients with intestinal pseudoobstruction experience severe stomach pain and cramping in the abdominal area. Other symptoms include constipation, a distended or bloated abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients may experience bladder problems, chronic stomach problems, or problems with the esophageal tract as the condition progresses. Some patients also experience bacterial infections, weight loss, and malnutrition.

The symptoms can help doctors identify which part of the gastrointestinal system is not working correctly. Intestinal pseudoobstruction in the upper gastrointestinal tract is characterized by upset stomach and vomiting, but if the problem is in the lower part of the system, the patient may have a distended stomach or constipation. A patient whose small intestine is not contracting normally will experience a bloated, blocked feeling, as well as vomiting and stomach pain.

A medical specialist can diagnose the condition by performing a full physical examination. He will run tests to determine if an underlying medical condition may be causing the patient's stomach problems, and he will examine the patient's medical history. He may also perform ultrasounds, run computed tomography (CT) scans, or take X-rays.

The treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. The doctor will treat the underlying problem if the intestinal pseudoobstruction is caused by a medical condition. He may prescribe antibiotics for infections, prescribe dietary supplements for malnutrition, or recommend other medications to treat muscle problems. Serious cases that involve intestinal damage or infection may require surgical intervention. Many acute cases improve with treatment, but chronic cases may recur or persist for many years.