Definition of Primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction:

Primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a condition that involves symptoms of intestinal blockage without physical evidence of such a blockage.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction, the small or large intestines lose their ability to contract and push food, stool, and air through the gastrointestinal tract.

The condition can be acute (occurs quickly or suddenly) or chronic (occurs over time). It may occur at any age, but is most common in children and the elderly. Because the cause is unknown, it is also called idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. (Idiopathic means occurring without reason.)

However, there are some known risk factors, such as being staying in bed for long periods of time (bedridden), taking narcotic (pain) medications, or having cerebral palsy or other neurologic disorders.