Common Causes Of A Paralytic Ileus
The intestines in the human body measure close to twenty-eight feet long. When individuals eat any food, it will need to travel a lengthy distance through the intestines before they're completely digested. For food to travel properly through the intestines, muscle contractions will need to occur on a regular basis to push the food forward. However, a range of problems can stop these contractions from occurring like they are supposed to, which could be caused by nerve issues or muscle problems. An ileus is a condition that results from a slowing or ceasing of these contractions. A paralytic ileus is a form of this condition that occurs when the intestinal muscles are affected by paralysis, which is a loss of muscular power. For patients to be affected by a paralytic ileus, the paralysis can be either partial or complete. The presence of this condition may lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. Learn about the causes of a paralytic ileus now.
Post-Surgical Scarring
The scarring that will naturally develop following abdominal surgery may result in the development of a paralytic ileus. Abdominal surgery refers to any kind of procedure that focuses on organs like the stomach, large intestine, spleen, liver, and gallbladder. Whether the surgery is performed as a laparoscopic or open procedure, patients will experience at least some scarring around the area where the incisions were made. The post-surgical scarring that occurs following abdominal surgery can lead to nerve problems in the muscles that prevent the intestinal muscles from contracting properly. Along with the visible scars on the surface of the skin, additional scarring can occur in the layers below. Scarring often leads to issues with movement in the affected area, which is why this kind of scarring can inhibit an individual's ability to properly digest their food.
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Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a serious disorder of the progressive nervous system that adversely affects movement. When an individual is first affected by this disorder, symptoms will likely begin to occur gradually where it can be difficult to notice them. It's possible the tremors Parkinson's disease causes will begin in a single hand and will be barely noticeable in the early days of the condition. The first stages will likely cause slurred or soft speech along with a lack of facial expressions. These symptoms will invariably worsen as time progresses. When individuals have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it's important to understand the condition can't be fully cured. However, the symptoms can be substantially reduced in severity. A couple of common symptoms that occur with Parkinson's disease include muscle stiffness and a loss of certain automatic movements throughout the body. It's possible the nerves and muscles within the intestines will be affected by Parkinson's disease, which can lead to paralytic ileus.
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