Bowel obstructions cause bloating and abdominal pain. The pain may be cramping or colicky, so it starts suddenly and comes and goes in waves. You may not be able to poo or fart (pass gas/wind). If the blockage is only partial, you may have diarrhoea.
In cases of complete obstruction, a person will not be able to pass stool (feces) or gas.
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.
Gas may pass long before a stool does, showing that your bowels are working well.
To confirm a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, your doctor may recommend an abdominal X-ray. However, some intestinal obstructions can't be seen using standard X-rays. Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images.
A bowel obstruction can begin suddenly or may progress gradually over several weeks or days.
Examples of other causes can include narrowing/twisting of the intestines, hernia, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis (inflammation, irritation of small sacs that form in the colon). A doctor who fails to diagnose these conditions could also fail to diagnose a bowel obstruction.
Usually, a small bowel obstruction resolves after a few days. When a patient becomes less bloated, starts to pass gas, and has a bowel movement, the tube is removed and the patient is allowed to eat and drink. If the patient is not better, then operative intervention may be necessary.
Most cases of bowel obstruction need some form of medical intervention. Treatment options for bowel obstruction can include: Medication: Opioids can lead to constipation. If this occurs, laxatives and stool softeners can help.
Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen. A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (bloating) An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)
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.
6 Signs and symptoms of a partial bowel obstruction can be similar to large or small intestinal bowel obstruction and may include: Abdominal pain/discomfort. Nausea. Vomiting.
Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency due to mechanical blockage of the bowel. Though it can be caused by many pathologic processes, the leading cause in the developed world is intra-abdominal adhesions.
A bowel blockage, also called an intestinal obstruction, can prevent gas, fluids, or solids from moving through the intestines normally. It can cause constipation and, rarely, diarrhea. You may have pain, nausea, vomiting, and cramping.
Symptoms may be long-lasting or may come and go over time. Symptoms may be more severe at times, called acute episodes, and milder between these episodes.
Factors such as hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, constipation, gut bacteria imbalances, large or small intestinal parasites and certain medications can all result in bloating without passing gas. It's important to remember that while gas may be a sign of true bloating, it depends on what else you are feeling.
Constipation. Constipation may also cause more frequent flatulence. As waste sits in the colon, it ferments, releasing extra gas. If the person is constipated, the waste may sit there for much longer than usual, causing excess gas to build up.
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.
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.
Temporary discomfort and bloating could signal a normal buildup of gas, but excessive gas that's accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating or fullness, nausea or weight loss could be a warning sign of a more serious health issue – especially if you haven't made any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Avoid dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Strain fruit and vegetable juices and soups. Avoid wholegrain, high fibre breads and cereals. Use white varieties where possible.
The four cardinal symptoms of bowel obstruction are pain, vomiting, obstipation/absolute constipation, and distention. Obstipation, change in bowel habits, complete constipation, and abdominal distention are the predominant symptoms in LBO.