CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Decreased bowel movements, also known as ileus or intestinal hypomotility, refer to a reduction in the peristaltic activity of the intestines, which can lead to slowed or halted intestinal transit.
This condition can be caused by various pathologies and may present with symptoms ranging from abdominal discomfort to life-threatening situations. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate and timely treatment.
Condition | Symptoms and Clinical Signs | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
Small bowel obstruction | Cramping abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, bilious vomiting, absence of bowel movements and flatus, absent or high-pitched bowel sounds | Medical history, physical examination, symptoms of obstruction | Abdominal X-ray, abdominal CT scan, abdominal ultrasound |
Large bowel obstruction | Abdominal pain, distension, severe constipation, absence of flatus, nausea, fecal vomiting, tympanitic abdomen, decreased bowel sounds | Medical history, physical examination, symptoms of obstruction | Abdominal X-ray, abdominal CT scan, colonoscopy |
Peritonitis | Severe, generalized abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness and rigidity (board-like abdomen), fever, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, decreased or absent bowel sounds | Medical history, physical examination, signs of peritoneal inflammation | Abdominal CT scan, blood tests, peritoneal fluid culture |
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