What Is An Intestinal Obstruction?
It is a medical condition characterized by the blockage that holds water or food from passing by the colon or small intestine. If no prompt treatment is pursued, the affected portions can die, paving the way of some serious complications. Though, with immediate medical assistance, the condition is often treated successfully.
What Are The Alternate Names Of Intestinal Obstruction?
Intestinal obstruction is also known by the following names:
- Colonic ileus.
- Intestinal volyulus.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Paralytic ileus.
What Are The Symptoms Of Intestinal Obstruction?
Few common symptoms of intestinal obstruction are:
- Vomiting.
- Inability to pass stool and gas.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Breathe odor.
- Abdominal cramping and pain.
- Abdominal fullness and swelling.
- Gas.
When Is The High Time To Seek Medical Assistance?
Do not delay to call up for an appointment in case:
- You feel difficulty while passing gas or stool.
- Experiencing a swollen abdomen.
- Keep vomiting.
What Causes Intestinal Obstruction?
Narrowing or twisting of your intestines, adhesions or tumors can lead a bowel obstruction. Such are known as mechanical obstructions.
- Small intestine: particularly in small intestine, the usual trigger of obstruction is the scar tissue. Few other causes tend to include Crohn’s disease and hernias that can narrow or twist your intestine, as well as tumors, that can block your intestine. Furthermore, blockage also arises if a particular part of your intestine folds into its other part, similar to a telescope, a condition known as intussusception.
- Large intestine: usually, the cause of blockage in large intestine is cancer. Some other triggers are severe constipation, narrowing of intestine due to inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis.
What Are The Possible Complications Of Intestinal Obstruction?
The condition, if left untreated can lead to several serious complications such as:
- Infection: intestinal obstruction can lead to an infection that arises in the abdominal cavity, known as peritonitis. It is a grave condition that needs prompt medical assistance which usually includes surgery.
- Tissue death: the condition can stop the supply of blood to the specific part of the intestine. This deficiency of blood can source the wall of intestine to die. Furthermore, tissue death tends to consequent perforation in the wall of intestine that can root an infection.
How Is ?
During the visit, the doctor will carry out a careful physical exam wherein he or she may find hernias, tenderness or bloating in your abdomen. In order to clear her doubts, the doctor can recommend the following tests that will reveal an obstruction:
- Barium enema.
- Abdominal x-ray.
- Abdominal CT scan.
- Upper GI.
- Small bowel series.
How Is An Intestinal Obstruction Treated?
The treatment of intestinal obstruction involves inserting a tube into the intestine or stomach trough your nose. By this, symptoms like vomiting and abdominal swelling can be eased. In case the option failed to relieve your symptoms, then the doctor can suggest the option of surgery.
Is Intestinal Obstruction Preventable?
The prevention of intestinal obstruction relies on its trigger. Treating conditions for example hernias and tumors known to cause a blockage can minimize your risk. Though, some causes of the condition are impossible to prevent.
By : Natural Health News
