How To Recognize Bowel Obstruction Symptoms

The intestine makes up a major portion of the human digestive tract. The large intestine is a wide tube approximately five feet long. The small intestine is not as wide as the large intestine but approximately 20 feet long. Anything blocking the movement of fluid, gas and food through the intestines will trigger bowel obstruction symptoms.

Most of the digestive process takes place within the small intestine where food byproducts are absorbed into the bloodstream. The large intestine absorbs water and readies solid waste for excretion. Muscular contractions move the contents along the length of the intestines.

The blockage can be partial or complete and may occur in either the big or the small intestine. Cancer is the most common cause of blockage in the large intestine. Inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis are two conditions that cause a narrowing of the passage. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of pouches in the intestinal wall that cause pain and fever. Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, is a chronic inflammation accompanied by diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. IBD can be a recurring problem and is sometimes treated with diet changes and medication. Another cause of a blockage in this area is severe constipation.

Most people with small intestinal blockages suffer because of scar tissue growth. Tumors are less often responsible for this condition. Crohn’s disease and hernias can cause the organ to shrink in width. Physicians refer to these conditions as mechanical obstructions.

People suffering with any type of blockage may experience bloating, vomiting and abdominal pain near or beneath the belly button. Diarrhea is a common symptom for a partial blockage. Lack of gas and constipation will often occur with a complete blockage. Obstructions in the small bowel often have intermittent cramping with pain in the central and mid-abdominal region. The patient usually experiences vomiting before constipation. An obstruction inside the large bowel presents as pain felt along the lower abdominal region. Vomiting is less common and constipation begins earlier.

Physicians may use abdominal X-rays to locate a suspected blockage. A CT scan allows the doctor to determine whether the blockage is complete or partial. Colonoscopy, blood tests and ultrasound are other helpful diagnostic tools when dealing with this condition.

This condition is treated in a hospital setting where the patient can remain under observation. Patients are prohibited from consuming food or liquids and instead receive fluids and medicine intravenously. A nasogastric tube may help drain gas and fluids and keep the patient comfortable. Many partial blockages will resolve themselves while others may require stents, air or liquid to clear the obstruction.

Patients with a complete blockage will often undergo surgery so the surgeon can physically remove the blockage. Surgery is mandatory if the blood supply has been cut off.

People suffering with bowel obstruction symptoms should seek the advice of a licensed physician to determine the cause. A complete blockage is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to protect the life of the patient. When the blockage is caused by some other medical problem, the underlying cause must be treated to prevent recurrence.

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