Intestinal obstruction symptoms
Causes, diagnosis, and treatment Severe stomach pain Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
Vomiting for days These alarming digestive symptoms all point to one disruptive condition
Intestinal obstruction Like an underground tunnel collapse that blocks traffic flow, intestinal obstructions grind digestion to a painful halt if not cleared
Obstructions can strike anyone too, young, old, healthy, or those recovering from abdominal surgery
So how do you know if that stubborn tummy trouble indicates something more ominous
Stay tuned as we explore the critical facts around intestinal obstruction causes
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. You'll learn exactly what to watch for and when to seek prompt medical attention
which is key to minimizing complications with these digestive emergencies. What are the symptoms
There are a few common signs and symptoms that point to possible intestinal obstruction
Being aware of these issues can help individuals recognize when to seek medical care right away
versus waiting to see if problems resolve on their own. The most characteristic features of obstruction often involve changes in normal bowel habits
For instance, being unable to pass stool or gas is a classic red flag
Feeling that the stomach and intestines are uncomfortably full, despite not eating much is another tip-off
Significant abdominal bloating, swelling, and cramping frequently occur too. Some people also deal with intense and worsening nausea and vomiting
when confronted by intestinal blockages. Throwing up food eaten days prior is not unheard of
Inability to tolerate any oral intake, liquids or solids, goes hand-in-hand with this vomiting in many cases
Extreme pain tends to develop for most individuals facing intestinal obstructions as well
This discomfort may remain localized around the obstruction site or become more generalized
Bowel sounds often decrease or go silent altogether upon doctor's exam when obstructions are significant
Failure to pass gas or stool combined with abdominal pain are key drivers prompting patients to seek evaluation
Partial obstructions allow some materials to still slowly squeeze through narrowed intestinal openings
This can temporarily minimize symptoms before eventual worsening occurs. Complete obstructions rapidly result in vomiting, pain, and absent bowel function
though as forward flow gets entirely cut off. Regardless of type and location, all obstructions require prompt diagnosis
and treatment to minimize risk of permanent damage and dangerous complications. What causes intestinal obstructions and who is at risk
Intestinal obstructions have numerous potential underlying causes. The odds of developing acute or chronic obstruction
also go up substantially for certain high-risk groups. One major category is mechanical obstructions
This refers to actual physical blocks or barriers within the intestine that materials cannot get by
Adhesions represent a common cause, which are thick bands of scar tissue
that can wrap around the intestine's loops and pin sections together. External hernias may also apply pressure and shift intestinal position
in ways that narrow or crimp portions. Twisting of portions of the small or large intestines
also known as volvulus, can virtually tie the bowel into a tight knot in some instances
This traps contents and cuts off flow. Intussusception is the prolapse or telescoping of one intestinal segment into the next
creating an internal obstruction. Swallowed foreign bodies that become lodged in the intestines can obstruct as well
Certain medical conditions strongly predispose patients to developing obstructions too. Those with diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease, IBD
Leight-Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, often deal with intestinal strictures or narrowings related to inflammation and scarring
Some cancers trigger obstruction risk when tumors impinge on and ultimately block intestinal lumens
Those who have undergone abdominal surgeries, especially involving bowel repair or removal segments
may face higher obstruction probabilities also. Beyond disease associations, certain demographic factors indicate increased obstruction susceptibility also
For example, obstruction rates climb with advancing age due to rises in underlying medical issues
surgeries and gradual loss of intestinal muscle tone. Men demonstrate double the risk compared women across age groups for unclear reasons
Individuals of Asian descent face higher incidence as well, compared to other ethnic demographics
Those dealing with poor nutritional status, chronic constipation or immobility challenges may also possess higher obstruction rates
Obese individuals can develop obstructing hernias and volvulus more readily too due to increased intra-abdominal pressures on the bowels
Overall, pay attention to risk patterns, but know that intestinal obstructions can happen to anyone
Seek evaluation for symptoms suggestive of obstruction, regardless of risk profile or prior history
How is an intestinal obstruction diagnosed? Doctors utilize several strategies to diagnose intestinal obstructions
when individuals present with characteristic symptoms. The diagnostic process aims to pinpoint the obstruction location
determine underlying cause, and assess impacts to guide appropriate initial treatment. The initial evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical exam
Information like current symptoms, medical history, prior surgeries and changes in bowel habits all provide useful context
Doctors will palpate the abdomen feeling for points of tenderness, masses or hernias
Special attention goes to listening for bowel sounds with a stethoscope across four quadrants
Preliminary blood tests can help assess electrolyte balance, infection markers and kidney function
findings of dehydration or abnormal electrolytes due to vomiting are common. Doctors will frequently check a plain film x-ray of the abdomen
looking for blocked loops of bowel, air fluid levels, indicating objects or grimacing patterns associated with obstructions too
Computed tomography, CT, scans better visualize intestinal anatomy and points of obstruction
CT scans may detect transition points where dilated, fluid-filled bowel sharply narrows
Beyond CT imaging, doctors may use additional tests to clarify inconclusive findings
or monitor obstruction severity. For example, small bowel follow-through studies use sequential x-rays to trace contrast material passage through the intestines directly
Endoscopies may allow visualization of masses or strictures contributing to obstructions as well
Repeat scans help reassess obstruction improvement or worsening after treatment too. What Treatments Options
Doctors tailor obstruction treatments to the severity, location, underlying cause and patient stability
Treatment falls into one of two major phases, initial management of the acute blockage
and secondary procedures to address precipitating factors. Acute care revolves around fluid resuscitation
decompression plus close observation when possible. Doctors correct dehydration and electrolyte disturbances using intravenous fluids
Regular anti-nausea and pain medications provide added comfort. Gastric decompression via nasal tube removes backed-up intestinal contents
and prevents further vomiting temporarily. With supportive measures in place, doctors reassess obstruction severity and predisposing factors
Partial obstructions may resolve with conservative treatments alone, so doctors repeat scans in select stable patients prior to surgery
Late obstructions or signs of intestinal tissue death require immediate operative intervention though
Similarly, unstable vital signs or peritonitis in the setting of obstruction prompts urgent surgery without delays for added testing
During surgery, obstruction sites get directly visualized, then manipulated or removed to restore intestinal continuity and flow
Strictured sections often undergo resection and reconnection procedures to eliminate narrow openings
Adhesions receive sharp division, while hernias get repaired and foreign bodies extracted
Surgeons must occasionally perform emergency bowel resection or colostomy procedures for severely damaged sections
Following procedures, patients require close monitoring to ensure obstruction resolution and catch post-operative complications early
After recovering from acute obstructions, individuals undergo secondary interventions to minimize recurrence risk
by addressing underlying causes. This may involve medications and dietary changes for IBD control
Cancer patients may undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or additional surgeries targeting malignancies pressing on the intestines
Doctors emphasize improved regulation of bowel movements, medication compliance, and prompt reporting of recurrent symptoms
to catch future obstructions rapidly. Follow-up scans help assess stricture severity over time too
Obstructions require prompt care. Outcomes are quite favorable when addressed appropriately. Be sure to monitor for key red flags like inability to pass stool
worsening pain, and vomiting to recognize obstruction as the potential cause