Causes of Intestinal Blockage

Intestinal blockage is the condition wherein the normal passage of food and fluid through the intestine can get impaired. This obstruction can be mechanical or functional in nature, and it can take place in both the small and the large intestine.

Intestinal blockage or obstruction is also known as bowel obstruction, intestinal volvulus, pseudo-obstruction-intestinal, colonic ileus, and paralytic ileus. Several factors can be responsible for causing this condition.

As mentioned above, there can be various factors that lead to the obstruction of the intestine. Some of these factors can be minor and hence, can be alleviated with simple methods, while others can be quite serious and require medical intervention and surgery.

Intestinal adhesion refers to the development of a band of fibrous tissue in the abdomen. The band of fibrous tissue usually develops after abdominal surgery, especially surgeries involving the appendix and the colon, as well as gynecological surgeries and cesarean section. Rarely, some individuals can also have this condition from birth. Intestinal adhesions can block the movement of food through the intestine, and is one of the most common causes of small intestine blockage.

Constipation is a minor cause of this condition. As we know, constipation is the condition characterized by hard stool and infrequent bowel movement. It can be managed with adequate intake of fluid and fiber-rich foods. If left untreated, constipation can result in fecal impaction where large and hardened stool gets impacted in the colon leading to the obstruction of the large intestine.

Development of hernia is the most common reason behind small intestinal blockage. Hernia refers to the protrusion of a part of the intestine. Protrusion usually occurs in a weakened area of the abdominal wall. A segment of the small intestine can become a part of the hernia and thus, can lead to this condition.

Sometimes, small intestinal obstruction can be caused by the development of a tumor. The tumor can block the transit of food and fluid through the same. The tumor can be cancerous, but it may not begin in the small intestine itself. It has been observed that most of the time, the cancerous tumor develops in another place and then spreads to the intestine to cause the blockage.

Colorectal cancer is the most common cause of this obstruction. The rapidly multiplying cancerous cells cause narrowing of the large intestine, thereby making the passage of food along the large intestine increasingly difficult.

Diverticulitis refers to the inflammation of the diverticula, which are the small pouches that protrude out from the intestinal wall. Diverticulitis can be caused by the infection of the diverticula. Infection and inflammation of the diverticula, as well as the scar tissues that develop once the infected diverticula are healed, can cause bowel obstruction.

Factors like, volvulus or twitching of the colon, presence of foreign objects and gallstones, Crohn's disease and narrowing of the colon, can be associated with bowel obstruction. Another condition that can impair the functions of the intestine is paralytic ileus. Paralytic ileus does not cause any mechanical obstruction of the intestine, but it reduces the movement of the intestine, because of which passage of food and fluid can get adversely affected.

This condition can produce several uncomfortable symptoms, some of which are explained below:

• Abdominal pain that usually occurs around the belly button
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating
• Abdominal swelling and tenderness
• Fever

This condition can be identified with the help of a physical examination of the individual, and evaluation of his/her medical history and the symptoms. Usually, physicians suspect blockage of the intestine, when physical examination reveals a swollen and tender abdomen. However, a confirmed diagnosis would require further diagnostic tests like X-ray of the abdomen, CT scan, and ultrasound.

As far as treatment is concerned, it depends on the underlying causes. If minor factors like, constipation is responsible for causing obstruction of the intestine, then it can be alleviated with the intake of high-fiber food and drinking plenty of water.

Sometimes, laxatives and enemas are also used for severe constipation. For more serious type of obstruction, the affected person is usually hospitalized. Normally, physicians insert a flexible tube, known as 'nasogastric tube' through the nose and then into the stomach of the affected person.

This tube is used to remove gas and fluid from the intestine. The affected person is not allowed to drink or eat anything during this period. Instead, fluid is given intravenously. Catheter is fitted to drain out the urine from the bladder. This is how partial obstruction of the intestine is usually treated. However, for complete treatment, immediate surgery can be required.

Complete intestinal blockage is a medical emergency, which if not treated promptly can cause death of the tissues of the obstructed part of the intestine. This in turn, can result in intestinal perforation and infection. Therefore, if one suspects or observes the symptoms of this condition, then one should get themselves examined by a physician.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.