This is a health condition in which a part or completely is blocked small or large intestine. It is known as bowel obstruction or intestinal obstruction. When the condition happens it becomes difficult to pass gas or have bowel movements. In such cases, a person experiences swollen belly and stomach pain.
Sometimes people think that bowel obstruction and fecal impaction are the same but they are not. Fecal impaction occurs when a hard mass of poop is blocked in the digestive tract. However, intestinal obstruction happens when a blockage occurs due to other reasons.
Bowel Obstruction Types
Experts classify this condition into 2 groups. For example:
- Small bowel obstruction – Approximately 80% of bowel obstruction cases negatively affect the small intestine. Usually, a blockage in the small intestine makes it difficult to pass digested food toward the large intestine.
- Large bowel obstruction – In such cases, the poop is blocking the passage (large intestine) where it leaves the body. It can happen partially (through the large intestine can pass only gas, liquid, and some food) and completely (nothing can pass through the large intestine). A complete bowel obstruction is considered a medical emergency because it can be life-threatening.
What is Pseudo-obstruction?
It happens when someone experiences bowel obstruction symptoms but there is no blockage. Pseudo-obstruction usually occurs due to gastrointestinal muscle problems or opioid drug use.
Symptoms
The symptoms appear depending on the severity of the condition you experience. The primary bowel obstruction symptoms include belly pain. Check below other symptoms:
- Inability to pass gas
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen and hard belly
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Increased heartbeat
- Dark pee
In case you experience any of the previous bowel obstruction symptoms, immediately seek medical attention.
What are The Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction in Children?
- Bloody poop
- Fever
- Vomiting
You may also notice them crying and pulling their legs to their belly.
Causes
- In case a part of the bowel is twisted, it becomes difficult for something to pass through. Some kids are born with this bowel problem and it is also known as volvulus.
- Inflammation and swelling of the bowel (diverticulitis).
- One of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in children is when the intestine slides into another.
- Abdominal adhesions
- Hernia that provokes scarring and narrowing of the bowel making it impossible for something to pass through. The most common causes of bowel scarring are Crohn’s disease, radiation therapies, and others.
- In some cases, a tumor can grow inside the intestine and block it. The tumor usually appears when a person experiences colon cancer.
- The bowel blockage also occurs when people swallow certain objects including hair, plastic toys, or anything that the body cannot digest.
- Gallstones
What Foods Can Cause Bowel Obstruction?
Rarely, foods can provoke intestinal obstruction. It commonly happens if you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), immune system disease (such as Guillain-Barre syndrome), or conditions that lead to a slow work of the digestive system. Check below some foods that may cause intestinal obstruction:
- Dried fruits
- Coconut
- Bananas
- Apricots
For more details, discuss it with your healthcare professional.
Risk Factors
Those who have had any of the following health conditions are at increased risk of developing bowel obstruction. Examples include:
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Hernia
- Colon, ovarian, or stomach cancer
- Abdominal surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Lung or breast cancer, or melanoma that spread to the intestines
Diagnosis
Physicians will ask you some questions about symptoms, and medical and family history. They will perform a physical examination to check for a swollen belly and others. If healthcare providers are not sure whether you have this bowel condition or not, you may need to do some tests. For example:
- Blood tests (to check for infection or dehydration symptoms)
- Abdominal X-ray (used to determine the blockage location)
- Barium enema (air enema) – This test involves X-rays used to make images of your intestines. However, before this test, doctors will insert air or liquid that contains barium (a metallic substance) that helps to get more clear images.
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- Ultrasound – This test is usually used in children with bowel obstruction.
Treatment
You will probably have surgery in case you experience a complete bowel obstruction. The surgery is done in the hospital. People with mild intestinal obstruction commonly do not need surgery. Physicians will recommend a special liquid diet that helps to stabilize the bowel.
However, doctors prescribe the treatment depending on the severity of the bowel obstruction you experience. Check below some treatment methods used for intestinal obstruction:
- IV fluids – It is advised to get fluids and electrolytes via an IV if you experience dehydration.
- Medicines – Doctors may prescribe you antibiotics if you have an infection.
- Nasogastric tube – This treatment involves a thin tube through the nose and into the stomach to remove gases and fluids. Therefore, it helps to lessen the symptoms and get rid of blockage.
- Bowel rest – Temporary stop drinking and eating is recommended because bowel need time to clear the obstruction.
- Stent – Sometimes, this treatment option is enough to eliminate the obstruction. It involves a tube (stent) that is inserted into the bowel to open the blocked region.
- Bowel decompression – This treatment opens the blocked area in the bowel using colonoscopy or surgery.
- Bowel obstruction surgery – The surgery is usually used if you experience a severe form of bowel obstruction. Surgeons will remove the blockage from the intestines and whether you have damaged bowel parts. For instance, if intestinal obstruction happens due to a hernia, the surgery will help to repair it.
Pseudo-obstruction Treatment
Mostly, it goes away on its own but if the symptoms do not improve, you may need treatment. These include feeding through an IV or nasogastric tube. Doctors may also prescribe some drugs to help your intestines move food through.
Additionally, patients usually recover from bowel obstruction treatment without any complications. The primary signs that you get rid of this condition are the disappearance of the pain and bloating and the ability to pass gas and poop again.
Home Remedies
Never try to treat bowel obstruction at home, especially if you have other diseases because it can be life-threatening. Check below some tips that will help prevent bowel obstruction recurrence:
- Chew the food thoroughly
- It is advised to have multiple small meals that fewer but large
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
- Do not consume high-fiber foods and supplements (including raw fruits and veggies)
- Regular exercise
Complications
In case you are not treating this condition, it may lead to some complications. For example:
- Short bowel syndrome
- Abdominal abscesses
- Tissue death
- Perforation
- Infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Are laxatives effective in bowel obstruction treatment?
Do not use laxatives without a doctor’s recommendation because they can be dangerous, especially if you have constipation.
What are the main intestinal obstruction symptoms?
- Loud sounds from the belly
- Throwing up
- Severe pain or cramps in the belly
- Fullness feeling
- Belly swelling
- Constipation
Immediately, contact your doctor if you experience any of the previous symptoms.
What foods can help with bowel obstruction?
- Eggs
- Pasta
- Jacket potato
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes and others
Consult with your doctor for more details.
