{"id":12087,"date":"2019-09-04T08:46:47","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T08:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=12087"},"modified":"2021-04-29T16:23:42","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T16:23:42","slug":"15-common-causes-of-paralytic-ileus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-common-causes-of-paralytic-ileus\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Common Causes of Paralytic Ileus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Paralytic ileus describes a medical condition affecting the intestines. The intestines are a part of the gastrointestinal tract, along with the colon. When any portion of this system experiences a partial or complete blockage, it can result in the onset of paralytic ileus. As a result of the condition, the affected individual starts to notice the signs of constipation and discomfort in the bowels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may be unable to pass stool and experience a loss of appetite. The patient may also notice that they stop feeling hungry, as well. Paralytic ileus is a severe condition that requires immediate medical treatment. In most cases, the use of OTC laxatives will not do anything to provide the patient with relief from their symptoms of pain, discomfort, and bloating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient does not receive prompt treatment for their condition, the paralytic ileus may cause other severe intestinal disorders that threaten the life of the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gastroenteritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The bowels are home to trillions of living bacteria, known as biomes. Biomes require a balanced bacterial environment to thrive. When pathogens disturb the delicate bacterial balance, it can result in the onset of paralytic ileus. Some bacteria and viruses that cause the beginning of gastroenteritis <\/a>may start to create symptoms of pain, bloating, and gas in the affected individual.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the virus will pass without any additional treatment or medical advice. However, bacterial infections of the bowels are much more serve. The patient will require the use of antibiotics to clear the infection and return the intestines to normal function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, a severe infection that results in the onset of gastroenteritis may also start the beginning of paralytic ileus. Patients require immediate treatment from a medical professional to ensure that they do not experience life-threatening complications. If left untreated and unmanaged, the patient may develop diverticulitis or blood poisoning from the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Imbalances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our bodies operate with a delicate mineral balance. Minerals are a critical element for maintaining our health. When we experience mineral imbalance, it may result in the onset of seizures<\/a>, which may be life-threatening in some cases. The most common mineral deficiency involved with the start of paralytic ileus is a potassium deficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potassium helps to regulate the nervous response. Patients who experience potassium deficiency may notice signs of cramping occurring in the muscular system. Potassium deficiency may also cause the bowels to start to cramp as well. If the patient does not balance their mineral levels, it can result in the onset of paralytic ileus, as well as a host of other adverse health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients that experience frequent dehydration is at risk of developing mineral imbalances and electrolyte deficiencies that end up causing the onset of paralytic ileus. It\u2019s vital that you remember to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when working out in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Abdominal Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients that undergo abdominal surgery are also at risk of developing paralytic ileus<\/a>. Surgical procedures may result in the onset of a viral or bacterial infection of the digestive system as the patient recovers. If left unmanaged and untreated, these infections can present a life-threatening situation for the patient.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s for this reason that surgeons and doctors recommend that patients receiving abdominal surgery remain in the hospital for a few days after surgery. This time in the hospital reduces the chances of infection occurring. If the patient does experience disease, then there are medical staff on call 24-hours a day to prevent a life-threatening complication occurring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient develops the onset of paralytic ileus while in the hospital, the chances are that doctors will pick it up quickly. However, the patient may require further surgical procedures to remove the blockage responsible for causing the onset of paralytic ileus. If you have surgery and go home, it\u2019s vital that you monitor yourself carefully for any gastrointestinal issues for at least 72-hours afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Decreased Blood Supply <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, the onset of paralytic ileus may occur due to a drop in the blood supply to the intestines. There are multiple reasons why the bowels may experience blood loss, including bacterial infection and surgical procedures. The bowels require a steady supply of oxygenated blood <\/a>to keep them moving. Without a blood supply, the natural peristaltic motion of the bowels grinds to a halt.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of a lack of blood going to the bowels, the patient may start to experience sensations of bloating, gas, cramps, and pain in the gastrointestinal system., These symptoms intensify over a few hours until the patient is very uncomfortable. At this stage, the patient should realize that they are not dealing with a simple infection of the digestive system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, they may seek medical attention. When doctors assess patients with gastrointestinal disorders, they often press down on the stomach to look for signs of sensitivity in the patient. Patients who are dealing with the onset of paralytic ileus may exhibit heightened symptoms of pain and discomfort, giving the physician clues about the presence of paralytic ileus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.  Infections in the Abdomen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s common for the digestive system to experience infection<\/a>, resulting in the onset of paralytic ileus. However, other infections to other organs in the abdomen may also result in the start of the condition as well. Patients who are dealing with a case of appendicitis are also at risk of developing paralytic ileus as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the appendix inflames due to infection, it starts a condition known as appendicitis. Time is of the essence for anyone experiencing appendicitis. If the appendix bursts, it spills pus into the abdominal cavity, resulting in the onset of sepsis, a type of blood poisoning that\u2019s fatal in many cases. Most cases of appendicitis are resolved using surgical procedures to remove the organ before it bursts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only appendicitis that can cause the onset of paralytic ileus. Other organs such as the spleen or liver may also cause complications that result in the emergence of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.  Lung or Kidney Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lungs and kidneys are vital organs for managing blood flow and air supply to the other organs of the body. When the lungs become dysfunctional, due to bacterial infections such as pneumonia<\/a>, it may interrupt oxygen supply to the blood. As a result, patients start to experience the onset of anemia. Anemia describes a condition where the patient does not produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body. As a result, the patient starts to feel lethargic and confused as their cognitive function starts to deteriorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with chronic kidney disease, (CKD), find that they experience problems with clearing the blood of toxins. As a result, they also start to experience symptoms of lethargy and mental confusion, along with pain in the lower back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these diseases can cause changes in blood flow and oxygen to the bowels. As a result of diminished blood flow or oxygen supply, the patient may start to experience the onset of paralytic ileus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Drug Abuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who abuse or misuse prescription drugs or narcotics may also be at a higher risk for developing paralytic ileus. Prescription medications are harsh on the stomach and liver. With regular abuse of these substances, the patient may start to cause scarring in the stomach and digestive system<\/a>, as well as the liver. As a result, the affected individual may find that they begin to develop the signs of paralytic ileus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recent rise in the abuse of prescription opioids has led to a spike in overdose deaths across the United States. However, there are numerous cases of digestive disorder tied to this epidemic, as well. Never use more medication than your doctor recommends. Doing so could result in an addiction that causes a host of adverse health problems, including paralytic ileus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other illicit narcotics such as heroin may also cause the onset of paralytic ileus in some users. If you have problems with addiction and know your need to quit, speak to a medical professional about the options available to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.  Hernia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A hernia <\/a>describes a condition where a sac starts to form in the abdominal cavity. The sac may penetrate an area of the abdominal wall that\u2019s weak or compromised due to an injury. The fascia is the tough connective tissue that holds together the muscles and organs in the abdomen. When the fascia becomes compromised, it tears away from itself, allowing the hernia to penetrate the abdominal wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who experience a hernia find that the condition begins after they overexert themselves. Lifting heavy objects may result in a tear of the fascia that leads to the onset of a hernia. There are various types of hernias affecting different regions of the abdomen. Hiatal hernias are the most common form of hernia that leads to the onset of paralytic ileus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a hiatal hernia, the patient experiences a herniation of the stomach lining, allowing the stomach to push up into the chest. This herniation may result in the onset of paralytic ileus in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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