Decreased Bowel Movements (Ileus or Intestinal Hypomotility)

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