Partial Intestinal Blockage

The human body is complex. A simple abdominal pain can be just one of those pains which we get occasionally, or it can just be the beginning of something more serious. Whatever it may be, it is always good not to ignore any inconvenience caused to our body, which can turn out to be a potential threat tomorrow.

Partial intestinal blockage, as the name suggests, is the partial blockage of the intestines. Intestinal obstruction can be complete or partial. It obstructs the flow of the intestinal material in the bowels. This condition results in the failure of passing of food and fluids through the small intestine or the colon.

Though in few cases this blockage can be treated by few non-operative treatments, but then, if ignored it can be severe. However, there is no need to worry, because it can be treated if the symptoms of a partial bowel blockage are known.

The obstruction can also cause restricted or complete blockage of blood supply to the affected part. Because of this lack of blood, the wall of the intestine will die. If it is not treated, it can lead to tissue death. That is because, the part of the intestine which is blocked may get perforated and infected, which can be fatal.

There are many factors which can lead to this situation. If the blockage is in the small intestine, then mostly scar tissue is the reason. Hernia and Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease, mostly affects the intestines) are also few reasons for the blockage, as they are responsible for the twisting and narrowing of the intestine.

If it is in the large intestine, then chances are likely that the cause of it could be cancer, which causes tumors. Few of the other causes are:

• Kidney or lung disease
• Narrowing of the colon
• Abnormal tissue growth
• Foreign bodies which may obstruct the colon
• Twisted colon

• Paralytic ileus: It is a condition in which the intestines either stop working or their efficiently is greatly reduced.
• Diverticulitis: It is a condition in which some areas of the digestive tract bulges, causes it to get infected and one gets inflaming sensation.
• Recent abdominal surgery of any kind

Symptoms are fairly easy to recognize, and hence, can be acted on accordingly:

• Abdominal swelling
• Vomiting
• Sensitive abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fever

The blockage of the intestine can be severe even if partial. If ignored for long, it can also get fully blocked, and will not absorb the foods and fluids effectively. The contents will be choked as a result of decreased absorption. It may result in dehydration, intestinal pain, vomiting, no intake of food. This condition may also result in kidney failure.

In order to diagnose, your doctor may require to examine and feel your abdomen. This is to check for the tenderness and bloating of the abdomen. An abdominal X-ray can also help to see for blockages. A CT scan of the abdomen can also help to know if the blockage is partial or full, and be treated accordingly.

It is better to seek immediate medial treatment if the symptoms are seen. Ideally, it is advised to stop eating until you see a doctor. This can be risky especially if it is avoided. Any kind of prior abdominal treatment makes one susceptible to it.