Obstructed Bowel

An obstructed bowel is a common problem due to which the substances cannot move normally in the digestive system. As the name suggests, it is either a small or a large intestine blockage. There are different types of bowel obstructions or disorders depending upon the part of the intestine that has gotten blocked and the cause of the obstruction.

Small bowel obstruction may cause vomiting, bloating, pain around the belly button, and constipation, whereas large bowel obstruction may cause severe pain below the belly button, diarrhea, etc.

The causes of clogging of the bowels may be varied, like cancer, narrowing of the intestines, tumors, scar tissues, etc. The common cause of blockage in small intestine is scar tissue, while cancer is a prominent cause of blockage in the large intestine.

There is not much difference between the various bowel obstruction symptoms. The difference lies in the intensity of the symptoms. These symptoms may be just indigestion or acidity, but if they persist for more than two or three days, then it is recommended that you see your doctor immediately.

Small Bowel

• Abdominal cramps and abdominal pain which are afflicted every few minutes are prominent symptoms of small bowel obstruction. If the pain is continuous, then it indicates a severely blocked bowel.

• A feeling of nauseousness and vomiting
• Difficulty in the passage of gas
• Bloating of the stomach and softening below the navel

Large Bowel

• A highly bloated abdomen is a major symptom of this condition.
• An aching stomach, which may be more acute in case of a large blockage
• Frequent constipation is another important symptom of clogging in the intestines.
• Diarrhea may be a symptom of partial large bowel blocking.

The treatment depends upon many factors, such as the degree of blockage, medical history of the patient, age of the patient, etc. Initially medication is given in almost all the cases, but if the clogging does not clear up then a surgery may be required.

If the obstruction is partial and is diagnosed early, then a liquid diet and some medications are prescribed for a few days to check if the situation improves.

Another way to treat this condition is the nasogastric suction, in which a small tube is inserted in the stomach through the nostrils, and the blockage is removed. The final option is surgery, which is performed only when the blood supply to the bowel is obstructed. But, in many cases the surgery is performed laparoscopically.

If not treated immediately, a partially obstructed bowel may become completely blocked, which may be fatal. So, it is advised not to take the symptoms lightly. Even if the usual indigestion symptoms last for more than a couple of days, make sure to consult your doctor and get a check up done.

Moreover, one of the causes of this condition may be a stomach cancer, therefore take medical as soon as the above mentioned symptoms develop. Also, it is best to get a complete health check up done every month.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.