Ileus
Current as of: November 7, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Ileus (adynamic or paralytic ileus) is a type of bowel obstruction that occurs when the intestines stop moving normally even though there is nothing blocking them. This prevents the digestion of food and the movement of waste out of the body. Ileus can also be called a nonmechanical bowel obstruction. Ileus most…
Current as of: November 7, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
11/07/2018
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Ileus (adynamic or paralytic ileus) is a type of bowel obstruction that occurs when the intestines stop moving normally even though there is nothing blocking them. This prevents the digestion of food and the movement of waste out of the body.
Ileus can also be called a nonmechanical bowel obstruction.
Ileus most commonly occurs after abdominal surgery, though it has many other possible causes. Symptoms of adynamic ileus include:
This combination of symptoms requires immediate medical evaluation.
Treatment for ileus begins with intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes. This treatment helps to keep blood pressure at a normal level and prevent dehydration. A tube placed in the nose and down into the stomach removes digestive fluids, which helps relieve and prevent pain and bloating.
When ileus occurs after surgery, the intestines usually move normally after about 1 to 3 days.
Current as of: November 7, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Current as of: November 7, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
11/07/2018
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.