What is Intestinal or Bowel Blockage?
Intestinal blockage is an obstruction which restricts the food or liquid in the body from passing through small or large intestines.
The problem is mostly causes by fibrous bands of tissue in the abdomen which usually occur after a surgery.
If the treatment is delayed the blocked parts in the intestines may die giving birth to a more serious problem. But, if the patient receives timely medical attention the obstruction can be removed successfully.
What are the Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction may include:
Cramps in the abdomen which occur in intervals
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- No bowel movement or inability or pass gas
- Swelling in the abdomen
Risk Factors
There several diseases and conditions that can increase the risk of intestinal obstruction. Some of them are:
- Surgery in the abdomen or pelvic which lead to adhesions. This often caused obstruction in the intestines.
- Crohn’s disease can also be a cause for intestinal walls to thicken and blocking the passage.
- Cancer in the abdomen.
What to Expect from Doctor?
When you decided to take medical help, you must be prepared for few queries which your doctor may put up. The questions may be like:
- Since when have you been experiencing pain in the abdomen or other symptoms?
- Are these symptoms sudden or have they occurred before?
- Is the pain persistent?
- Have you experienced problems like nausea, vomiting, fever, blood with the stool, diarrhea or constipation?
- Have you undergone a surgery on the abdomen?
- Have you had radiation to your abdomen?
Prognosis for Intestinal Obstruction
The treatment for the problem completely depends on the cause which has led to the condition. Hospitalization of the patient often occurs to treat the problem.
- Hospitalization
- The patient is asked to get admitted to a hospital in order to stabilize the condition. Initially the doctors would work towards stabilizing the condition to make you ready for the treatment. Other treatment methods include:
- Treatment for complete mechanical obstruction
- Treatment for paralytic ileus