Most bowel obstructions are partial blockages that get better on their own. The NG tube may help the bowel become unblocked when fluids and gas are removed. Some people may need more treatment. These treatments include using liquids or air (enemas) or small mesh tubes (stents) to open up the blockage.
Treatment for partial obstruction
Your doctor may recommend a special low-fiber diet that is easier for your partially blocked intestine to process. If the obstruction does not clear on its own, you may need surgery to relieve the obstruction.
Dietary changes that may help a person who has bowel obstructions include: eating smaller portions more often. avoiding large amounts of high fiber foods, such as whole grain cereals and nuts. focusing on eating soft or liquid meals.
An intestinal obstruction is painful and potentially dangerous, and typically requires hospital care. However, you won't necessarily need surgery. Many blockages can be resolved with a non-invasive procedure, and patients often never have a recurrence.
The good news is that the intestine can often unblock itself with time and rest. And many people recover from a bowel obstruction without surgery. But surgery may be unavoidable in certain cases, including when complications develop.
Without any fluids (either as sips, ice chips or intravenously) people with a complete bowel obstruction most often survive a week or two. Sometimes it's only a few days, sometimes as long as three weeks.
Early signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and belly cramps. Bowel obstruction, also called intestinal obstruction, is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that results in food or fecal matter being unable to move through the intestines.
Avoid high-fiber foods and raw fruits and vegetables. These may cause another blockage. Drinking plenty of water may help. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
Laxative use can be dangerous if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. If you frequently use certain laxatives for weeks or months, they can decrease your colon's ability to contract and actually worsen constipation.
Intestinal obstruction can cut off the blood supply to part of your intestine. Lack of blood causes the intestinal wall to die. Tissue death can result in a tear (perforation) in the intestinal wall, which can lead to infection.
Medication: Sometimes, medication can cause ileus, and in those cases, you'll need to stop taking that medication. Getting upright and walking around can also help with ileus, especially if you've been lying down a lot.
Identifying Bowel Obstruction Symptoms
Most people affected by a bowel obstruction are unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement, and may have a swollen abdomen. Infrequent bowel movements or hard stools usually do not indicate obstruction.
Reduce tough, fibrous fruit and vegetables – chop these foods finely where possible (e.g. celery, mango). Avoid dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Strain fruit and vegetable juices and soups. Avoid wholegrain, high fibre breads and cereals.
A complete blockage is an emergency and needs medical attention right away. Among the many possible reasons for an intestinal obstruction are: Abdominal adhesions. These are growths of tissue in bands that may force your intestines out of place.
There are many common causes and risk factors, including: Adhesions: These are bands of scar tissue that may form after abdominal or pelvic surgery. An earlier abdominal surgery is the leading risk factor for small bowel obstruction in the United States.
When an obstruction is total and caused by a physical blockage, you will likely be unable to pass even gas through your anus. You may burp or vomit, but you will not have diarrhea or gas. Some of the most common reasons we see for bowel obstructions in our practice include: Impacted stool that causes a blockage.
• How to eat through the day
o Eat or drink small amounts every 2 hours. Large meals can cause more discomfort. Try to have 6-7 small meals or snacks spread out through the day. o Cut foods into small pieces. o Chew foods well and eat slowly.
In order to diagnose a bowel obstruction, your doctor will do a physical exam. During this exam, they will feel your abdomen and use a stethoscope to listen to your belly. A bowel obstruction can often be confirmed with an X-ray.
Crouching on a chair. Sitting a certain way for seven seconds is not proven to help constipation. However, changing your body posture while on the toilet can make things easier. Place your feet on a stool to place your knees higher than your hips.
Tenesmus is a frequent urge to go to the bathroom without being able to go. It usually affects your bowels, but sometimes your bladder. Severe inflammation that irritates the nerves involved in pooping or peeing is often the cause. Your nerves overreact, telling your muscles that you constantly have to go.
Flatulence. According to Dr. Maser, if you notice you're passing gas more often than usual—and especially if it smells particularly bad—it might be related to constipation.