What are the symptoms of Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction?

By Meenakshi Chaudhary , Onlymyhealth editorial team

Oct 08, 2012

Quick Bites

Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction is a rare disabling gastrointestinal disorder.

It is characterised by abnormalities affecting contractions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Stomach pain, vomiting, constipation are some of the common symptoms.

The condition can occur at any age.

Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction is a rare disabling gastrointestinal disorder which is characterised by abnormalities affecting the involuntary, coordinated muscular contractions of the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive system under the control of nerves, pace maker cells and hormones propels the food. The abnormalities which affect the muscles and nerves associated with peristalsis results intestinal pseudo obstruction.

Symptoms Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction

common signs and symptoms of the condition include:

abdominal swelling
stomach pain
nausea
vomiting
constipation
Diarrhoea

Causes of Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction

The condition can occur at any age but some infants are born with congenital intestinal pseudo – obstruction. It may range from moderate to acute. The condition is often caused by problems in the nerves, muscles or interstitial cells of cajal. The interstitial cells of the Cajal convey messages from nerves to muscles.

The causes of secondary Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction include abdominal or pelvic surgery, diseases which affect muscles and nerves such as lupus erythematosus and Parkinson diseases, infections, radiations to the abdomen, certain cancers including lung cancer.

Image Courtesy : Getty

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