Bowel Obstruction – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Intestinal Obstruction – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this disease. Also, a Bowel Obstruction is a serious condition where the intestines are blocked. Blocking can be partial or complete, occurring in one or more locations.

Both the small intestine and the large intestine , called the colon, can be affected. When a blockage occurs, food and drink cannot pass through the body. Blockages are serious and need to be addressed immediately. They may even require surgery.

An obstruction can occur in any segment of the small or large intestine and can be partial or complete. The part of the intestine above the obstruction continues to function. This part expands as it fills with food, liquid, digestive secretions and gases.

The mucous lining becomes swollen and inflamed. If this disorder is not treated, the intestine can rupture, leaking its contents into the abdominal cavity, causing inflammation and infection (peritonitis).

Without treatment, blocked parts of the intestine can die (necrosis), leading to serious problems. However, with prompt medical care, Intestinal Obstruction can often be successfully treated.

Causes of Bowel Obstruction: There are several causes of Bowel Obstruction . These may include:

• Scar tissue in the abdomen;
• Twisting of the intestines ;
• Swallowed objects.

Sometimes there may be no real obstruction, but the bowels behave as if they are clogged. This is called pseudo-obstruction. Among its potential causes are:

• infections .
• Nervous system disorders.

An intestinal blockage can be an emergency, especially if the intestine is twisted, because it can cut off the blood supply and cause the intestine to die . Dehydration can also be a dangerous complication and can lead to organ failure, shock, and death.

Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction: Bowel obstruction causes a wide range of troublesome symptoms, including:

• Severe swelling;
• Abdominal pain;
• Decreased appetite;
• nausea ;
• vomiting;
• Inability to pass gas or stool;
• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Severe abdominal cramps;
• Abdominal swelling.

Some of the symptoms may depend on the location and duration of the obstruction. For example, vomiting is an early sign of small bowel obstruction . This can also occur with a large bowel obstruction if it is ongoing. A partial obstruction can result in diarrhea, while a complete obstruction can result in the inability to pass gas or stool.

Bowel obstruction can also cause severe infection and inflammation of your abdominal cavity, known as peritonitis. This occurs when a portion of the intestine has ruptured. This leads to fever and increased abdominal pain. This condition is a life-threatening emergency that requires surgery.

Treatments for Bowel Obstruction: Treatment depends on the location and severity of the obstruction.

For partial obstructions or an ileus, it may be possible to treat simply by resting the bowel and giving intravenous (IV) fluids. Bowel rest means you won’t be given anything to eat, or just clear liquids, during this time.

Treating dehydration is important. Intravenous fluids may be started to correct the electrolyte imbalance. A catheter may be inserted into the bladder to remove fluid.

A tube may need to be passed through the nose and down the throat, stomach and  intestines to relieve:

• Pressure;
• Swelling;
• Vomit.

If your problem is due to the use of narcotic pain medications, your doctor may prescribe medications that reduce the effect of narcotics on the intestines .

Surgery will be necessary if these measures fail.