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.
Symptoms of bowel obstruction
feeling bloated and full. pain (usually colicky tummy pain) feeling sick. vomiting large amounts (including undigested food or bowel fluid)
You may also be constipated if you experience straining, hard stools, a feeling of being blocked up or a feeling that you don't completely empty your bowels. "If you're constipated, you may also feel cramping, bloating, nausea or pain in the rectum from straining," says Dr.
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.
constipation. intermittent nausea, often relieved by vomiting undigested food. worsening nausea and/or faeculent vomiting (as obstruction progresses and small bowel contents are colonised by colonic bacteria)
Common symptoms include: Abdominal cramping and bloating. Leakage of liquid or sudden episodes of watery diarrhea in someone who has chronic (long-term) constipation. Rectal bleeding.
Enemas of air or fluid can help clear blockages by raising the pressure inside your bowels. A mesh tube called a stent is a safe option for people who are too sick for surgery. Your doctor puts it in your intestine to force the bowel open. Some people may not need anything more than a stent.
Most of the time, complete blockages require a stay in the hospital and possibly surgery. But if your bowel is only partly blocked, your doctor may tell you to wait until it clears on its own and you are able to pass gas and stool.
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.
The doctor may suspect intestinal obstruction if your abdomen is swollen or tender or if there's a lump in your abdomen. He or she may listen for bowel sounds with a stethoscope. X-ray. To confirm a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, your doctor may recommend an abdominal X-ray.
A bowel obstruction can begin suddenly or may progress gradually over several weeks or days.
Adhesions: The most common cause for small bowel obstruction is intra-abdominal adhesions. Adhesions caused by abdominal or pelvic surgery cause about 65% to 75% of all small bowel obstructions. Adhesions are scar tissue that can form after infection, radiation therapy, inflammation and most commonly, surgery.
Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too.
Eating When you Have Constipation. Try these things to relieve your constipation: Do not skip meals. Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries.
Once treated, fecal impaction goes away quickly. Over-the-counter stool softeners, enemas, rectal suppositories, and oral laxatives can help you soften and eliminate the stool.
Is impacted stool an emergency? It's almost always an urgent situation. If you have not been able to pass any stool for at least 4 days (not including sudden development of uncontrollable liquid diarrhea), you should go to the ER for further evaluation and treatment.
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.
Aim to consume at least 6 cups of liquid through the day o Sip liquids throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at one time. o Do your best to drink as much as you can between your meals and snacks (juices, broths and water).
Laxatives (applies to Dulcolax) intestinal obstruction disorders. The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation.
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.
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.
Potential Complications from a bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction, whether partial or complete, can lead to serious and life threatening conditions if left untreated. The intestine can get swollen from the trapped air, fluid, and food. This swelling can make the intestine less able to absorb fluid.