Cystic fibrosis bowel blockage

Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) can occur and re-occur in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis. It results from abnormally thick stool with mucus in the terminal ileum and right colon.

Symptoms include pain in the right lower part of the abdomen near the appendix. Patients often have swelling, vomiting, and constipation.

Due to the symptoms and location, DIOS can be confused with appendicitis. This condition is similar to meconium ileus in babies with CF. Luckily, it does not occur often in those who had meconium ileus.