Living with Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
A condition in which the intestine's muscles don't move food well, causing symptoms like a blockage without one.
Understanding Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
It can occur at any time of life, and symptoms range from mild to severe. It may come from the intestinal muscles themselves or from the nerves that control them. Partly digested food builds up in the intestines. Symptoms resemble a blockage (obstruction) but without one.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says they may include:
- Swelling of the belly (distention)
- Belly pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble absorbing nutrients (malnutrition)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It may arise from abnormalities of the intestinal muscles themselves (myogenic) or from problems with the nerves that control them (neurogenic).
Also known as: chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.; hollow visceral myopathy; intestinal pseudoobstruction; intestine pseudoobstruction; pseudo-obstruction of intestine
Patient organizations
- Association of Gastrointestinal Motility DisordersIntestinal pseudo-obstruction · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
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