Obstruction of the bowel may due to:
A mechanical cause, which simply means something is in the way Ileus, a condition in which the bowel doesn't work correctly but there is no structural problem
Paralytic ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction in infants and children. Causes of paralytic ileus may include:
Chemical, electrolyte, or mineral disturbances (such as decreased potassium levels) Complications of intra-abdominal surgery Decreased blood supply to the abdominal area (mesenteric artery ischemia) Injury to the abdominal blood supply Intra-abdominal infection Kidney or lung disease Use of certain medications, especially narcotics
In older children, paralytic ileus may be due to bacterial, viral, or food poisoning (gastroenteritis), which is sometimes associated with secondary peritonitis and appendicitis.
Mechanical causes of a bowel obstruction may include:
Abnormal tissue growth Adhesions or scar tissue that form after surgery Foreign bodies (ingested materials that obstruct the intestines) Gallstones Hernias Impacted feces Intussusception Tumors blocking the intestines Volvulus
What causes Bowel obstruction?
Obstruction of the bowel may due to:
A mechanical cause, which simply means something is in the way Ileus, a condition in which the bowel doesn't work correctly but there is no structural problem
Paralytic ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction in infants and children. Causes of paralytic ileus may include:
Chemical, electrolyte, or mineral disturbances (such as decreased potassium levels) {{NAME}} of intra-abdominal surgery {{NAME}} blood supply to the abdominal area (mesenteric artery ischemia) Injury to the abdominal blood supply Intra-abdominal infection {{NAME}} or lung disease Use of certain medications, especially narcotics
In older children, paralytic ileus may be due to bacterial, viral, or food poisoning (gastroenteritis), which is sometimes associated with secondary peritonitis and appendicitis.
Mechanical causes of a bowel obstruction may include:
Abnormal tissue growth Adhesions or scar tissue that form after surgery Foreign bodies (ingested materials that obstruct the intestines) {{NAME}} Impacted feces Intussusception Tumors blocking the intestines {{ORGANIZATION}}