Common Causes Of A Paralytic Ileus

Intussusception

Intussusception is a very serious condition that most commonly affects children and occurs when a portion of the intestine inadvertently slides into another portion. When this issue occurs, it's possible for fluid or food to be blocked from passing through the intestine. A cutting off of the blood supply from the affected part of the intestine can cause a paralytic ileus. If left untreated for a significant period, this may lead to a perforation in the bowel as well as other issues like the death or infection of the bowel tissue. This usually occurs in children under three years old, though it's not yet known why this condition develops in a child. In most cases, treatment will fix the issue without any further problems. However, adult cases usually occur because of an underlying condition, such as the presence of a tumor. When a child is affected by the condition, an x-ray procedure may be all that's needed to reposition the intestine. For adults, surgery is oftentimes necessary.

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