The Ileocecal Valve is located between the ileum (last portion of your small intestine) and the cecum (first portion of your large intestine). Its function is to allow digested food materials to pass from the small intestine into your large intestine. The ileocecal valve also blocks these waste materials from backing back up into your small intestine. It is intended to be a one-way valve, only opening up to allow processed foods to pass through.
Ileocecal Valve Syndrome
When the ileocecal valve is stuck open waste products can back up into the small intestine (much like a backed up kitchen sink drain) disturbing your digestion and also creating unhealthy toxins that are absorbed into the body. Also, if the ileocecal valve is stuck closed waste products are prevented or constricted from passing into the large intestine.
Unfortunately, this disorder is often overlooked by the medical profession. A dysfunctional ileocecal valve can result in a combination of symptoms.
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Assessment of the patient with ileocecal valve syndrome will often present with the following symptoms, which can be associated with a functional or secondary ileocecal valve syndrome associated with organic disease:
* Dizziness
* Dark circles under the eyes
* Fatigue
* Fetid breath
* General malaise
* Headache
* Low back pain
* Nausea
* Pain around the heart
* Palpitations
* Pseudo hypochlorhydria
* Pseudo sacroiliac strain
* Pseudo sinus infection
* Shoulder pain (pseudo bursitis)
* Sudden thirst
* Syncope
* Tinnitus
* Water retention
Foul breath and body odor may occur due to the detoxification process taken over by the lungs and skin as a consequence of the ileum absorbing the toxic products regurgitated from the colon. Periodontal problems need to be ruled out in the case of foul breath.