Intestinal obstruction is a condition where food or liquids cannot pass through the intestines normally due to a blockage or disruption in the intestinal contractions.
What Causes Intestinal Obstruction?
Non-mechanical obstruction causes (functional obstruction), where the intestines fail to contract properly, include:
- Intestinal inflammation, such as appendicitis, chronic colitis, or diverticulitis
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as paralysis or Parkinson’s disease
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants or opioid painkillers
- Electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium levels
- Post-abdominal surgery
Mechanical obstruction causes, where the intestinal pathway is physically blocked, include:
- Abdominal adhesions after abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Hernias
- Abdominal cancers, such as colon or pelvic cancers
- Intussusception (telescoping of the intestine)
- Volvulus (intestinal twisting)
- Severe constipation
- Gallstones obstructing the intestine
- Foreign objects in the intestine
What Are the Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction?
- Abdominal pain, which may be sudden or occur in waves
- Bloating and a feeling of fullness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation, inability to pass stools or gas
- Diarrhea or watery stools if the obstruction is partial
- A palpable lump in the abdomen
How Is Intestinal Obstruction Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of intestinal obstruction involves a medical history review, physical examination, and additional diagnostic tools such as abdominal X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, barium enema tests, or colonoscopy.
How Is Intestinal Obstruction Treated?
1. Specific Treatment
- Medications to treat intestinal inflammation
- Medications to stimulate intestinal function
- Surgery to remove adhesions
- Surgical removal of the diseased intestinal section
- Removal of obstructions
- Placement of stents to widen narrowed intestinal segments
2. Supportive Treatment
- Fasting from food and water
- Nasogastric tube insertion to remove air and fluids from the stomach, relieving pain and bloating
- Intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement to maintain balance and prevent dehydration
Abdominal pain may seem common but can signal a serious condition. Visit the Abdominal Pain Center at Synphaet Hospital Ramintra for evaluation and care.
