Symptoms of a Partial Intestinal Blockage

A blockage in the small intestine prevents movement of food as well as fluid through the colon. There are two types of blockages; complete and partial. In the following paragraphs, we shall concentrate more on the causes and symptoms of a partial intestinal blockage.

This impediment can occur due hernia or tumor. Apart from these, presence of intestinal adhesions like fibrous tissue formed in the abdominal cavity, twisting of the intestine (volvulus), intussusception (intestine telescoping) or presence of an inflammatory bowel disease can also lead to this problem. These causes are called mechanical obstruction.

Causes of the same can also include paralytic ileus, a condition where the intestines do not function normally due to problems with the nerves or muscles. This may occur because of an abdominal surgery, pelvic surgery, muscle or nerve disorder, infection, intake of certain medications, etc.

Twisting or narrowing of the intestine, presence of kidney disease, diverticulitis, and presence of foreign body may also be one of the reasons for obstruction.

Partial obstruction means the passage of the bowel content is affected, but the movement, i.e., food and fluid is not completely blocked. The symptoms occur gradually over weeks or even months. One of the most obvious symptom is passing of thin stools and chronic constipation. Let us go through the symptoms in detail.

These symptoms tend to be very vague. When there is an obstruction in the intestine, it leads to abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, bloating, and distention.

When the intestinal contents do not pass through the colon, it leads to decrease in appetite. Eating food that causes flatulence leads to gas, and causes nausea while eating or after eating. Partial obstruction of the intestine may lead to vomiting, as the food is unable to pass through the intestines. Frequent vomiting after eating, along with nausea and gas are some of the symptoms.

Chronic constipation occurs as not all food and fluid is blocked. Thin fluid bowel content that manages to pass through, leads to diarrhea or liquid stool. Thus, diarrhea, constipation, and other bowel problems can occur simultaneously in intermittent periods.

It is important to seek immediate treatment as delay can lead to many medical complications. If untreated, it can lead to complete blockage, causing tissue death and perforation in the intestine. It also leads to severe infection and shock.

The doctor may put you on a liquid diet, and use nasogastric aspiration to get rid of the gas and fluid in your bowels. A low-fiber diet is advised to help process the food. In some cases, surgery may be required.

One should understand the symptoms as early as possible to avoid severe repercussions. For more information, speak to your healthcare provider.