Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine can occur in chronic cases - presenting as malabsorption, diarrhea, and nutrient deficiencies - which may require the use of antibiotics. Presentation
Clinical features of IPO can include abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal distension, vomiting, dysphagia, and constipation. Symptoms depend on the portion of the gastrointestinal tract involved and the duration of symptoms. Symptoms may occur intermittently and over a prolonged period of time. It is not unusual for patients to present several times owing to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms. Conditions and onset will vary if the disease is primary vs secondary and the underlying disease (if a secondary manifestation) and its management. Symptoms indicative of advanced disease and possible intestinal failure include diarrhea, loss of appetite, sepsis, bloating, fatigue, signs of low volume status, and malabsorption including nutritional deficiencies and foul-smelling stools. Causes
In primary CIPO (the majority of chronic cases) the condition results from disruption of the intestines ability to move food. These can be broadly classified as myopathic (affecting the smooth muscle), mesenchymopathic (affecting the interstitial cells of Cajal), or neuropathic (of the nervous system) of the gastrointestinal tract.In some cases there appears to be a genetic association.
Bowel obstruction: mechanical or functional obstruction of the bowel, most commonly due to adhesions, hernias or neoplasms. Enteric neuropathy: alternative name sometimes used for diagnosis in UK

References
External links

00530 at CHORUS