Intestinal obstruction and paralysis are known as ileus. You can find out everything about causes, symptoms and therapy here. This is one of the more serious articles in our library. No metaphors, not much to jest about just the facts. Ileus – briefly explained
An ileus is a disruption of the transport of the intestinal contents. There is an interruption in the passage of food with an accumulation of food pulp. This passage disruption can be caused either by an obstacle (mechanical ileus) or by intestinal paralysis (paralytic ileus). A mechanical ileus can be caused by a tumor or adhesions. Intestinal paralysis can occur as a result of inflammation, medication or after surgery. The treatment of an ileus depends on its cause. Conservative treatment (without surgery) with food abstinence, fluids and painkillers as well as medication that stimulates the bowel movement is often used. In certain cases, an operation is necessary, for example in the case of a tumor disease of the intestine.
What is an ileus?
In the case of an ileus, the intestinal passage stops with a build-up of the food. This happens either through an intestinal obstruction (mechanical ileus) or an intestinal paralysis (paralytic ileus). Both forms mean that the intestinal contents cannot be transported further. Mechanical ileus is the most common form of intestinal obstruction (around 60 percent) and can be an acutely life-threatening clinical picture.
If the closure is not complete, i.e. there is still a residual passage of food pulp, it is called a subileus.
Background information – the intestinal passage
Normally, the intestinal contents are transported through the various passages of the intestine by the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall in undulating movements (intestinal peristalsis) from the stomach towards the anus. The contents of the stomach first reaches the small intestine and from there the large intestine. In the different areas, important food components and fluids are absorbed from the intestine. The human small intestine is about five to six meters long, the large intestine frames the small intestine and is about one meter long. A bowel obstruction can develop in both the small and large intestines.
Causes: How does an ileus occur?
A passage disruption can occur due to a mechanical obstacle (mechanical ileus) or due to a disorder of the intestinal peristalsis (see above, paralytic ileus).
Mechanical ileus (intestinal obstruction): A mechanically caused ileus (occlusive ileus) can be associated with or without disturbance of the blood circulation. There are many different causes of mechanical ileus, but what they all have in common is a stoppage of the intestinal passage due to an obstruction. This can, for example, directly clog the intestine, such as a tumor or ball of feces. Or the intestine is constricted from the outside, for example by connective tissue adhesions (brides) after an intestinal operation, by scarring after inflammatory bowel diseases or healed peritonitis . The following forms lead to an additional disruption of the blood supply (strangulation ileus):
Incarceration. Incarceration is an entrapment of intestinal loops. These can become trapped in hernia gaps, such as an inguinal hernia, or between strands of connective tissue (braids). This means that the intestinal passage is no longer possible.
Intussusception. An intussusception is understood as the invagination of a piece of intestine into a piece of intestine lying behind it. The intestine pushes itself “into the intestine”, so to speak.
Volvulus . A volvulus describes a twisting of the intestine and its associated structures (mesentery, contains nerves and blood vessels).
Paralytic ileus (intestinal paralysis ): In paralytic ileus, the muscles of the intestinal wall are paralyzed so that the intestinal contents are no longer transported through rhythmic movements of the intestinal wall. Bowel paralysis can have many causes:
In the context of inflammation of the abdominal cavity (inflammatory-toxic): An inflammation of the peritoneum (acute peritonitis) can develop, for example, through a breakthrough in the stomach or small intestinal mucosa (perforation). Other possible inflammatory processes in the abdomen can be inflammation of the pancreas , appendix or gallbladder inflammation.
After operations in the abdominal cavity or on the spine (reflex): A paralytic ileus can also develop after surgery in the abdominal cavity or on the spine. However, this cannot always be clearly separated from the “normal” intestinal sluggishness after operations (postoperative intestinal atony).
Medicinal: Certain medications, for example, opioids, can cause intestinal paralysis.
Metabolic disorders (metabolic): In particular, disorders of salt balance (electrolyte disorders) can lead to paralysis of the intestinal muscles. The cause of the electrolyte disturbance can be a severe disturbance of kidney function (renal insufficiency). However, a deficiency in vitamin B, thyroxine, protein, or diabetes mellitus (acidosis) can also trigger intestinal paralysis.
Occlusion of a blood vessel (vascular): The acute occlusion of a blood vessel that nourishes the intestinal wall can also be the cause of paralytic ileus.
A long-standing mechanical ileus can turn into a paralytic ileus.
Symptoms: what symptoms does an ileus cause?
The complaints are based, for one, on the affected area of the intestine. With a ileus of the small intestine, nausea and vomiting, a bloated stomach and, later on, stool and wind retention often occur quickly. In the case of a large intestinal ileus, the symptoms are usually less pronounced and develop a little more slowly, leading to a bloated stomach, abdominal cramps, stool and wind retention.
The symptoms can also vary depending on the cause. In the case of a mechanical ileus, severe colic-like abdominal pain can suddenly set in. With a paralytic ileus, the pain is less severe, but the abdomen is very distended.
Pallor, cold sweat and an accelerated pulse herald an impending circulatory failure.
Diagnosis: how is an ileus diagnosed?
The previous history (anamnesis) and the medical examination, especially listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope, provide important information. Ringing, metallic intestinal noises suggest a mechanical ileus, as the intestine is working harder in front of the obstacle (hyperperistalsis). In the case of intestinal paralysis (paralytic ileus), however, there are no intestinal noises (“dead silence”).
An ultrasound examination is part of the further diagnosis of the abdomen. Expanded intestinal loops may be seen here. The motility of the bowel and any so-called “free fluid” that may be present can also be assessed. An X-ray of the abdomen (while standing, if this is not possible in the left side position), fluid build-up in the intestinal lumen (mirror formation) can indicate an ileus. Free air in the abdomen, outside the intestines, can also be seen in the X-ray. It can indicate a perforated bowel. In larger clinics, computed tomography is now part of the diagnosis of ileus. In it you can see tumors that are hindering the passage, sometimes there are also strands of adhesions visible or when drama loops have “twisted”.
Therapy: How is an ileus treated?
In principle, one can differentiate between conservative and surgical therapy. Conservative means: without surgery. In the vast majority of cases, regardless of whether it is a paralytic or mechanical ileus, the ileus is treated conservatively. Therefore, a conservative attempt at therapy is usually started first. An operation is always necessary if this fails, or if the intestine is threatened with dying off (twisted, circulatory disorders, braids) or if there is already a breakthrough (perforation).
Conservative treatment
The focus here is on compensating for the fluid and salt displacements caused by the ileus (substitution therapy) and relieving the distended intestine. Placing a nasogastric tube – a thin tube that is inserted through the nose into the throat and from there through the esophagus into the stomach – is uncomfortable, but is especially important if you are sick or vomit. Through the probe, the fluid can drain from the intestine into a bag, the muscles relax and then, in the best case, resume their work. Food abstinence is also necessary so that there is no further strain or stretching of the intestine. In the case of paralytic ileus, medication can help get the bowel moving again. Painkillers and, if necessary, antibiotics are also given. Both fluid and medication are administered directly into the blood vessel system via a venous access.
Operative treatment
If a conservative attempt at therapy fails, surgery may be necessary. Often adhesions are the cause of the occlusion. Once these have been resolved, the bowel can work normally again after some recovery. In the case of an acute intestinal obstruction with a ruptured intestine or a circulatory disorder, an operation as quickly as possible is necessary to remove the obstacle to the passage and, if necessary, the damaged section of the intestine. Which surgical procedure is used depends on the cause of the intestinal obstruction. It is important to allow a passage through the intestine again and to eliminate existing circulatory disorders, for example in the case of twisting. Because if a section of the intestine is not supplied with blood, it dies (necrosis). Most operations for ileus are performed using a larger, central incision in the abdomen (so-called laparotomy).
Depending on the cause, surgical therapy can be carried out directly. For example, twisting, insertion or connective tissue strands (clamps) can only be resolved with one operation. Diseased sections of the intestine that do not recover during the operation are removed immediately. The healthy ends of the intestine are then either sewn directly to one another or connected to one another at the sides. An inflamed appendix or the blockage of a blood vessel (artery) can also be surgically removed. During these operations, the bowel must be relieved and nursed for a long time, otherwise, it would no longer recover. In this case, an artificial connection is created between the still healthy section of the intestine and the abdominal wall to the outside (stoma attachment), the section behind the stoma then has time to recover. In most cases, this is only temporary and after the colon had time to heal, the artificial connection will be reversed.
Complications: What can be the consequences of an ileus?
Both mechanical and paralytic ileus lead to an increased accumulation of fluid and gases, which leads to expansion and overinflation of the affected section of the intestine. This increase in pressure has a negative impact on the blood supply to the affected area (microcirculation disorder). This in turn can lead to a disruption of the barrier function of the intestinal wall. This means that it becomes more permeable so that a lot of fluid flows into the intestine. The result can be a significant volume deficiency (hypovolemia) in the bloodstream. Bacteria can also migrate more easily through the intestinal wall and thus cause severe inflammation of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and blood poisoning ( sepsis ).
Colon Hydrotherapy will help to keep your large intestine clean and free of stool obstructions. If you are blocked up with poop. Come and see us.
A dietician is trained in dietetics or human nutrition. A dietician will review and alters a patient’s nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs. Dieticians are licensed and regulated to assess and diagnose, nutritional problems and then recommend treatment by way of food intake.
Dieticians recommend changes in diet based upon their knowledge of nutritional biochemistry.
Energetic Balancing
Energy Balancing describes the relationship between what energy we put in our bodies and what energy comes out. In a metaphysical sense and in a direct caloric sense.
An EB practitioner would ask us to take into consideration the first law of thermodynamics; The total energy of an isolated system is constant; energy can be transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed.
This is because at the core of this modality, balance is sought between what we put in our body and what comes out. That energy entering our body is routed into three major “destinations”: work, heat and storage affecting your whole body and all of its functions.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy is more of a nutritional intervention. Practitioners critically alter a patients diet to create biological conditions for a medicinal purpose. The Gersin Diet is a good example of this type of therapy. Prevention of illness is one of the core principles of this healing modality. Nutritional therapy is used for diets to gain or loose weight, to detox the body in general or for the detoxification of specific organs.
Orthomolecular Therapy
Orthomolecular medicine uses vitamin and minerals in higher volumes than recommended by regulatory agencies. This form of alternative or complimentary therapy is often used by patients with immunological conditions. At the core of this healing modality is the idea that an optimum nutritional environment in the body will fight disease and rejuvenate environments of illness. This healing modality is used to correct “imbalances or deficiencies based on individual biochemistry”.
Have you ever felt like you were an alien because of your food allergies. I do nearly every time I go into a restaurant because nearly everything has milk in it. There is certainly more awareness these days from our cafes and restaurants but it wasn’t always so widely accepted. There are many milk alternatives available for the most part, but you still have to ask and help people understand the severity of food allergies. It almost always takes me longer to order; running back and forth asking the chef questions and finally agreeing that the chef will make something to suit my food allergy needs. Meanwhile everyone at the tables thinks I am just being precious and incorrigible.
When you consider the consequences of ordering foods that you are allergic to, there is no question about it. You have to take care.
I have a few food allergies, I am gluten intolerant and do not eat sugar. In the case of lactose intolerance (milk sugar intolerance), the consumption of lactose-containing foods can lead to severe unwellness for me, such as sinus congestion, headaches, flatulence and diarrhea. In fact, many of us have difficulty with lactose and don’t even know it. So in this article, we are going to try and shed some light on the subject and hopefully create some awareness for our readers.
What is milk sugar?
Milk sugar or lactose occurs naturally only in breast milk and in the milk of mammals. Lactose is made up of two sugar molecules linked together: glucose and galactose. The intestines can only absorb them as single sugars. Therefore, the consumed milk sugar must first be broken down into its components. This is done by an enzyme, known as lactase, located in the mucous membrane of the small intestine.
Both sugars – glucose and galactose – are important sources of energy and also serve as energy stores. Lactose also supports the absorption of the mineral calcium. The glucose absorbed by the small intestine reaches the cells via the blood. They use sugar to generate energy. Galactose is processed further in the metabolism, especially in the liver, and is also introduced into the energy balance.
Milk sugar intolerance: causes
Lactose or milk sugar intolerance is due to a deficiency or loss of activity of the enzyme lactase. It is caused by “developmental genetics”. In many people, the enzyme activity gradually weakens after the baby phase (hypolactasia): Their genetic makeup does not allow them to produce enough lactase for a lifetime. The consequence can, but does not have to be, primary lactose intolerance. A remaining lactase activity of around 50 percent is still considered sufficient.
Most of the time, the loss begins at the age of two. Symptoms typically appear over adulthood, less often in children. If lactose is avoided, the symptoms disappear. However, small amounts of lactose in food usually do not cause any problems. This is why medicines containing lactose, for example, are usually also suitable for people who cannot tolerate lactose well.
The frequency of the lactase deficit in the population varies. For example, in Europe from around 2 percent in Scandinavia to over 70 percent in southern Italy. In Australia, only 20% are suffering while worldwide it is estimated that 75% can’t handle lactose.
However, lactose intolerance can also occur as a result of various diseases: intestinal diseases (small intestine, large intestine) or changed conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, for example after an operation. Because here, among other things, a lactase deficit can occur. Again, milk sugar is no longer digested properly, there is a secondary lactose intolerance. If the cause can be eliminated and the lactase production has recovered, the intestine can cope with the milk sugar again.
Sometimes medication, for example prolonged treatment with antibiotics, also affects the intestinal functions and can trigger a lactase deficit, so that lactose is temporarily poorly tolerated.
Congenital lactose intolerance (congenital lactase deficiency) in infants is very rare. Healthy infants (unless they are born prematurely before the 34th week of pregnancy) are naturally optimally supplied with lactase. This enables them to digest breast milk, which contains a lot of milk sugar, and of course also bottled milk. Very few children are born with an absolute lactase deficiency (alactasia). The affected babies do not tolerate breast milk and become seriously ill in the first few weeks of life if intervention is not timed.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
Bacteria in the colon ferment the undigested lactose. Various substances and gases are released, which soon cause discomfort in the stomach. That means: After eating dairy products – especially from cow’s milk, but also from milk from goats or sheep – and generally from lactose-containing foods, stomach pain, rumbling in the stomach and flatulence are not long in coming. Usually, the mishap begins promptly a quarter or half an hour after consumption, sometimes it lasts up to about two hours.
Since undigested lactose also binds more water in the intestine, diarrhea can also occur. Sometimes there are also various general symptoms such as headache, dizziness and nausea. How severe the symptoms are varies from person to person.
Diagnosis of lactose intolerance
Various specialists, often gastroenterologists, deal with the clinical picture: specialists in gastrointestinal medicine. The diagnosis is based on a hydrogen breath test, more precisely: an H. Here, after a twelve-hour break from eating, the patient drinks a certain amount of lactose dissolved in water and breathes into a test device. In the case of a lactase deficiency, the bacterial decomposition of milk sugar in the large intestine leads to the formation of hydrogen, which can be detected in the breath of those affected.
Another, older test (blood test) can be used to check how much dextrose (glucose), one of the two breakdown products of milk sugar, rises in the blood after drinking.
In addition, a genetic analysis can be used to find out whether you have a gene constellation that causes a lactase deficit. However, the hydrogen breath test is decisive for the diagnosis.
Therapy, self-help with lactose intolerance
In the case of lactose intolerance, it is recommended to limit the consumption of foods that contain a lot of lactose, depending on the tolerance. Sour natural yoghurts and certain long-matured cheeses are dairy products that, due to bacterial fermentation, contain almost no lactose. However, it is often added to industrially produced foods to improve the consistency. For example, it can be found hidden in many ready meals and sauces. Lactose-free milk products, which are available in large numbers and in large variety, offer a solution.
A lactose-free diet is not always necessary
In general, a maximum of ten milligrams (10 mg) of lactose per 100 grams of food is recommended for the declaration of lactose-free. It is considered to be well tolerated. However, a lactose-free diet is often not necessary at all. For example, many sufferers can even tolerate around ten to twelve grams (roughly equivalent to a glass of milk), especially if they consume this amount as part of a meal with other foods or spread over the day. If the residual activity of the lactase is very low, patients actually only tolerate very little lactose without experiencing symptoms. It is advisable to test your personal threshold yourself.
Lactase can also be substituted as a dietary supplement if necessary. Probiotics are also sometimes beneficial in this case.
A colonic can help after a Lactose reaction episode by cleaning out the residue and re-establishing healthy gut flora.
Rectal bleeding can be an alarming symptom, often signaling underlying issues like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation, or even cancer.
As a colon hydrotherapist with years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how cultural sensitivities prevent many from discussing or understanding their anal health. Yet, the anus is a highly sensitive area, and changes like itching, pain, or visible blood on the stool—medically termed hematochezia—demand attention. In this article, I’ll explore the causes of rectal bleeding, its symptoms, and practical steps to address and prevent it, drawing on my expertise to guide you toward better digestive wellness.
Why Rectal Bleeding Happens
Rectal bleeding is a symptom I encounter frequently in my practice, and it’s often tied to common conditions. Hemorrhoids, affecting nearly 70% of adults in Western countries at some point, especially between ages 45 and 65, top the list. These swollen veins in the anal canal can cause bright red blood on toilet paper or stool, along with itching and swelling. Anal fissures—small tears in the anal lining—are another frequent culprit, bringing sharp pain and similar bleeding. Both are widespread, yet manageable with proper care.
More serious causes include anal prolapse, rectal prolapse, anal vein thrombosis (often misnamed “external hemorrhoids”), fistulas, abscesses, or even anal rim cancer. In the large intestine and rectum, conditions like diverticula (pouches in the intestinal wall), polyps, inflammation (e.g., proctitis), or colon cancer can also trigger bleeding. Even rarer issues, like vascular malformations or endometriosis affecting the bowel, may be at play. With age, the risk of these pathologies rises, sometimes worsened by medications like blood thinners.
Symptoms to Watch For
Beyond rectal bleeding, other red flags include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. These could point to deeper gastrointestinal issues needing urgent medical review. In my work, I’ve noticed clients often delay seeking help due to embarrassment, but early action is critical—especially when blood is persistent or paired with these symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When rectal bleeding occurs, a doctor will first assess your medical history—think anticoagulant use or signs of bleeding tendencies (e.g., frequent bruising or nosebleeds). Procedures like colonoscopy allow direct inspection of the colon and rectum, enabling tissue sampling or polyp removal to prevent cancer. In my practice, I’ve seen how these interventions, paired with tailored diets (low-lactose or gluten-free, if needed), can transform gut health. Prompt diagnosis is key—some causes require urgent care, while others benefit from lifestyle adjustments.
Preventing Rectal Bleeding Naturally
A healthy bowel is your best defense against rectal bleeding and related issues. A high-fiber diet with five daily servings of fruits and vegetables promotes regular bowel movements, reducing strain that worsens hemorrhoids or fissures. Pair this with 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, minimal alcohol and smoking, and a low-fat, low-sugar diet to support blood vessel health. Good hygiene and breathable clothing further protect the anal area.
Conclusion
Rectal bleeding, whether from hemorrhoids or something more serious, isn’t a topic to shy away from. With my background in colon hydrotherapy, I urge you to overcome any hesitation and seek answers. Combining medical insight with proactive habits can keep your digestive system thriving. If you’re noticing symptoms, consult a healthcare provider—your peace of mind and health are worth it.
While colonic irrigation isn’t always suitable, alternative cleansing methods can support digestion—something I often customize for clients.
The Integrative Family Physicians model of practice is a relationship-cantered approach that makes use of any appropriate therapeutic approaches or health care based on the holistic needs of the patient.
Integrative family physicians are medically trained and qualified doctors of medicine that combine complimentary medicine in their practice. They asses patient needs and prescribe protocols for treatment regimes that reflect a low invasive footprint, often opting for complimentary modalities as primary options for healing or correcting imbalances and other causes of illness or malady.
At the core of this modality is the idea that our being is made up of mind, body and spirit and we should treat malady and illness in all three areas in order to achieve optimal health and well being. Integrative
Family medicines core principles are founded in prevention and on patient education and participation in the healing process. Factoring anatomy, physiology, nutrition, environment, emotion, spirit and lifestyle elements into the fabric of good health and well being.
Integrative Pediatrics
The Integrative Paediatricians model of practice like Integrative Physicians is a relationship-centred approach that makes use of any appropriate therapeutic approach or health care. Integrative Paediatrics are similar to holistic medicine in that the focuses is on the whole person and is designed to achieve optimal health and healing.
Integrative Paediatricians are medically trained and qualified doctors of medicine that combine complimentary medicine in their practice. They asses patient needs and prescribe protocols for treatment regimes that reflect a low invasive footprint, often opting for complimentary modalities as primary options for healing or correcting imbalances and other causes of illness or malady.
Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine is another modality which focuses on the cause of illness or malady as opposed to treating symptoms. Diagnosis involves critical information about genetic disposition, environment and physiology.
Practitioners believe in prevention of illness through understanding. That unless environmental factors of health and well being are balanced with anatomic factors no progress can be made to restore physiological/psychological, structure, balance and functionality.
Environmental Medicine
Environmental medicine is another modality that involves the combination of many fields of endeavour. Medicine, chemistry and environmental science make up the fabric of this modality with its main focus being environmental health.
This is done through the assessment of environmental issues or conditions that contribute to illness and malady. The practitioner helps patients to develop programs to identify and eliminate these conditions or their causes.
The main areas of focus being; Physical, Chemical, Biological and Social.
Energy Clearing & Energy Healing are two different phrases which refer to the same thing. Both are used as a therapeutic modality to assist individuals in achieving optimal health and well being on all levels, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
At the core of this modality as with many other healing modalities which involve freeing blocked energy pathways within the body. Many of the techniques used in this complimentary therapy have been taken from other modalities like; Kinesiology, Reflexology, Thought Field Therapy and Acupuncture.
In addition to sourcing techniques from other modalities this therapy also employs the use of essential oils, Bach Flower Remedies, Crystal Healing and Colour Therapy. It is the choice of the practitioner which of these modalities will be combined and used in the healing process for the desired effect.
Energy Medicine
Energy medicine works through the medium of the energy healer who channels pure love into healing energy which is then transferred into a patient for the purposes of healing the patient.
Spiritual healing holds no religious boundaries but has been practiced as a medium throughout history by religious organizations. Faith healing is similar but is practiced by a specific religious group.
Many scholars and scientists have commented that that these methods seem to work therapeutically, however there is no scientific way to chart clinical evidence with any continuity.
