Ileus
Ileus means the bowel is not moving normally, so gas and fluid build up without a physical blockage.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if the abdomen is becoming very swollen, vomiting is persistent, pain is severe, or the person cannot pass stool or gas and is becoming weak or dehydrated.
Common symptoms
Common symptoms include abdominal swelling, discomfort, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and difficulty passing stool or gas, especially after surgery or serious illness.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show whether the bowel is dilated and whether the picture fits ileus or a true obstruction that may need a different treatment approach.
What radiology does
Abdominal X-rays and CT help show distended bowel loops and help distinguish ileus from true obstruction.
What usually happens next
Treatment focuses on the cause and may include bowel rest, fluids, medication review, and monitoring.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.