Causes Of Intestinal 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 intestinal 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 intestinal 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 (stool)
• * Intussusception
• * Tumors blocking the intestines
• * Volvulus (twisted intestine)