Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome(DIOS) is a complication that arises in people who havecystic fibrosis(CF). It presents as acomplete or partial blockage of the bowelin the upper intestinal tract. Symptoms of DIOS can include vomiting, abdominal cramps, and a feeling of fullness that occurs alongsidediarrhea.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for someone with DIOS.
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Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome Symptoms
When DIOS develops, a person’sbowel movementsbecome blocked, resulting in various symptoms, including:
The symptoms that present when someone has DIOS are often mild and can be mistaken forappendicitis.
Prevalence of DIOS In People With CFRoughly 10% to 15% of people with CF will develop DIOS at some point in their lifetimes.
Prevalence of DIOS In People With CF
Roughly 10% to 15% of people with CF will develop DIOS at some point in their lifetimes.
In CF, thick mucus builds up within the body and can lead to blockages in organs. The organs that are mainly affected are the lungs,pancreas, andintestines.
When that mucus builds up in the digestive tract, it slows down the digestive process. Stool can end up stuck within the intestines behind the area where the mucus has gathered. Together, the mucus and the stool that cannot make their way through the body properly cause a blockage.
Other research suggests that more factors are at play when DIOS develops, such as a lack of properdigestive enzymesmeant to break down food properly. The ability to move stool through the intestines may also be compromised in people with DIOS.
It is fairly easy to diagnose DIOS in people with CF because they are already known to be at risk for it, and the symptoms are specific to an intestinal blockage.
To diagnose the condition, healthcare providers will take a note of all the symptoms a person is experiencing and perform anX-rayof the abdomen to identify where the mass is located.
Can DIOS Be Predicted in CF?While everyone with CF is at risk of developing DIOS, there are two specific risk factors associated with the complication:Genetic predispositionPancreatic insufficiency (when the pancreas doesn’t create enough of digestive enzymes)
Can DIOS Be Predicted in CF?
While everyone with CF is at risk of developing DIOS, there are two specific risk factors associated with the complication:Genetic predispositionPancreatic insufficiency (when the pancreas doesn’t create enough of digestive enzymes)
While everyone with CF is at risk of developing DIOS, there are two specific risk factors associated with the complication:
The main goal of treatment is to rid the intestines of the blockage to restore proper bowel movement. There are several ways this can be done:
Other medications can be used to either increase the pancreatic enzymes that may be lacking in the system to help improve digestion or improve the motility of the digestive tract so that food and stool are passed more effectively.
If none of the aforementioned medications work, surgery may be required. Types of surgery that can be used for DIOS include:
Surgery Risks and DIOSSurgery is typically reserved for the most stubborn cases of DIOS because they carry significant risks, such as bleeding, infection, and delayed healing. These factors increase the risk that someone could die during surgery.
Surgery Risks and DIOS
Surgery is typically reserved for the most stubborn cases of DIOS because they carry significant risks, such as bleeding, infection, and delayed healing. These factors increase the risk that someone could die during surgery.
Summary
DIOS is a complication of cystic fibrosis that occurs when CF-related mucus builds up in the intestines and blocks stool from passing through properly. When a blockage occurs, symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing stool can develop.
DIOS can cause larger problems if left untreated, but it can be effectively treated early on through various medical interventions such as laxatives and digestive enzymes. Surgery may be required in rare and more severe cases, but it is typically reserved as a last-resort treatment option.
A Word From Verywell
If you have cystic fibrosis and begin experiencing any signs of DIOS, it’s best to meet with your healthcare provider as soon as you can. DIOS is easily dealt with in the majority of cases. Prompt treatment can remedy the situation and negate the need for more invasive interventions such as surgery.
A person experiencing DIOS will begin to feel mild symptoms such as stomach aches or pain. These pains can be lower in the abdomen. Painful cramps can also develop, and you may be able to feel a mass within your abdomen.
While it is difficult to stop the initial mucus build-up in CF that leads to DIOS, you can do some things to help lower your risk of total blockage. First, you will want to ensure that you take pancreatic enzyme supplements. You will also want to stay as hydrated as possible so that there is enough water in the bowel to move stool through freely.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cystic Fibrosis Canada.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS).Mavilia M.Distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS): a gastrointestinal complication of cystic fibrosis in adults.Clin J Gastroenterol.2019;12(6):571-573. doi:10.1007/s12328-019-00979-7Lavie M, Manovitz T, Vilozni D, et al.Long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis.World J Gastroenterol.2015;21(1):318-325. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.318Sandy NS, Massabki LHP, Gonçalves AC, et al.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in cystic fibrosis.J Pediatr.2020;96(6):732-740. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2019.08.009Green J, Carroll W, Gilchrist FJ.Interventions for treating distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) in cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2018;8(8):CD012798. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012798.pub2
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cystic Fibrosis Canada.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS).Mavilia M.Distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS): a gastrointestinal complication of cystic fibrosis in adults.Clin J Gastroenterol.2019;12(6):571-573. doi:10.1007/s12328-019-00979-7Lavie M, Manovitz T, Vilozni D, et al.Long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis.World J Gastroenterol.2015;21(1):318-325. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.318Sandy NS, Massabki LHP, Gonçalves AC, et al.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in cystic fibrosis.J Pediatr.2020;96(6):732-740. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2019.08.009Green J, Carroll W, Gilchrist FJ.Interventions for treating distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) in cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2018;8(8):CD012798. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012798.pub2
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS).Mavilia M.Distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS): a gastrointestinal complication of cystic fibrosis in adults.Clin J Gastroenterol.2019;12(6):571-573. doi:10.1007/s12328-019-00979-7Lavie M, Manovitz T, Vilozni D, et al.Long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis.World J Gastroenterol.2015;21(1):318-325. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.318Sandy NS, Massabki LHP, Gonçalves AC, et al.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in cystic fibrosis.J Pediatr.2020;96(6):732-740. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2019.08.009Green J, Carroll W, Gilchrist FJ.Interventions for treating distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) in cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2018;8(8):CD012798. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012798.pub2
Cystic Fibrosis Canada.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS).
Mavilia M.Distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS): a gastrointestinal complication of cystic fibrosis in adults.Clin J Gastroenterol.2019;12(6):571-573. doi:10.1007/s12328-019-00979-7
Lavie M, Manovitz T, Vilozni D, et al.Long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis.World J Gastroenterol.2015;21(1):318-325. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.318
Sandy NS, Massabki LHP, Gonçalves AC, et al.Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in cystic fibrosis.J Pediatr.2020;96(6):732-740. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2019.08.009
Green J, Carroll W, Gilchrist FJ.Interventions for treating distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) in cystic fibrosis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2018;8(8):CD012798. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012798.pub2
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