Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: NIDDK

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. The symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction are caused by a problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work.

Symptoms of pseudo-obstruction 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 with intestinal pseudo-obstruction also have bladder problems.

Some diseases that affect muscles and nerves such as lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or Parkinson's disease can cause symptoms of pseudo-obstruction. 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 main treatment is nutritional support (intravenous feeding) to prevent malnutrition and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Medicine might also be given to help with intestinal muscle problems. In severe cases, surgery to remove part of the intestines might be necessary.

More information is available from

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: http://www.iffgd.org/

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.

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

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Email: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/tools/mail_nddic.htm

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with digestive disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. NDDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about digestive diseases.

Publications produced by the clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts.

This e-text is not copyrighted. The clearinghouse encourages users of this e-pub to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

NIH Publication No. 01-4550
Updated: February 2001

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