Word parts
What it means
The muscles of the bowel stop pushing contents along (peristalsis), so gas and fluid build up even though there is no blockage. It is common for a short time after abdominal surgery and can also follow anesthesia, opioids, low potassium, infection or injury. It differs from a mechanical bowel obstructionBOW-ul ub-STRUK-shunA partial or complete blockage that stops food, fluid and gas from moving through the small or large bowel.Full entry , where something actually blocks the bowel.
For the nurse
Listen for bowel sounds, ask about passing gas, and check for nausea, vomiting and a swollen abdomen. Treatment may include nothing by mouth, a nasogastric tube to suction, IV fluids and early walking.
At a glance
| Spanish | íleo paralítico |
|---|---|
| Also written | adynamic ileus |
Easy to confuse with
bowel obstruction
A partial or complete blockage that stops food, fluid and gas from moving through the small or large bowel.
Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
nasogastric tube
A thin, flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.
ileus
A slowing or stopping of the normal movement of the intestines, with nothing physically blocking them.
bowel obstruction
A partial or complete blockage that stops food, fluid and gas from moving through the small or large bowel.