An intestinal obstruction occurs when there is no possibility of passing through the intestine due to interference in the intestine, such as the presence of intestinal adhesions, tumors or inflammation, for example, in these cases symptoms such as difficulty evacuating or removing gases, abdomen, nausea or abdominal pain usually appear.
Once the blockage prevents the digestion of food digested by the intestine, intestinal gases and digestive secretions accumulate, increasing pressure in the intestine and resulting in the risk of serious complications such as intestinal perforation, widespread infection and alteration of intestinal tissue.
- Also.
- In case of suspected bowel obstruction.
- It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
- To confirm the diagnosis and start the treatment that is normally done with the administration of intravenous fluids.
- The establishment of a tube in the digestive tract.
- Depending on the severity.
The most common symptoms of intestinal obstruction are the inability to rinse urine and remove gases; However, if the blockage is partial, there may be no gas removal. Other common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain with severe colic;
Decreased appetite;
Nausea and vomiting.
The severity of symptoms varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease causing the blockage.
Also, symptoms that occur may vary depending on the affected site, although vomiting and nausea are more common in small bowel obstruction, although excess gas and tension are more common in large bowel obstruction, for example.
To identify the problem, your doctor usually begins by evaluating your symptoms and performs an abdominal exam to try to identify the changes. You can use the stethoscope to find out if there is any noise in your abdomen, even if your intestine is working properly. .
When there is an intestinal obstruction, an examination, such as an X-ray or CT scan, is not necessary to confirm the diagnosis and observe where the intestine is located.
There are many causes that can lead to intestinal obstruction, mechanical causes, where there is physical obstacle and functional obstacle, when bowel movements are paralyzed.
The main causes are
Intestinal fragments, which are adhesions of tiles on the walls of the intestine, are more common in people who have had abdominal surgery;
Hernies;
Intestinal tumor, mainly in the large intestine. See symptoms of bowel cancer
Diverticulitis;
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease. Learn more about crohn’s disease;
Twisting the intestinal valve;
Paralysis of bowel movements, called paralytic ileus, due to metabolic changes such as a lack of potassium in the blood;
Intestinal ischemia;
Intestinal endometriosis;
Accumulation of intestinal parasites;
Post-radiological enteritis in the treatment of cancer;
Lead poisoning.
Some of these causes can result in complete and abrupt intestinal obstruction, leading to more severe symptoms, or only a partial blockage that occurs when symptoms are milder and there are fewer health risks; however, all cases require proper treatment as quickly as possible.
Treatment of intestinal obstruction varies depending on the location and severity of symptoms and should always be done in the hospital, to avoid complications that can worsen if laxatives are attempted at home.
In the case of partial obstruction, with mild symptoms, it is usually necessary to administer fluids intravenously to improve hydration and facilitate the passage of needs and fluids, just as if intestinal replacement is necessary, and therefore it is necessary. necessary to help you solve the problem. Several times, a tube is placed from the nose to the stomach to remove excess gases and fluids, thus relieving pressure in the intestine.
In more severe cases, such as complete obstruction, in addition to previous care, surgery is required to treat the cause and remove the intestine, allowing them to pass again.
Treatment of intestinal obstruction should be initiated more quickly, to avoid possible complications such as:
Deshidration;
Bowel perforation;
Widespread infection;
Change part of the intestine
All of these complications can be life-threatening, as they can contribute to inflammation, widespread infection and the fall of various organs. Also, whenever there is a suspicion that the intestine is not working properly, if you need to consult a doctor to identify, if there is a problem that needs to be treated.