A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small or the large intestine. It can happen for many reasons, and can lead to severe complications. Dietary measures can help manage symptoms while waiting for treatment or a resolution.
In this article, we examine the symptoms and causes of bowel obstruction. We also look at how doctors can treat this condition and what people can do to prevent it from occurring.
The term bowel obstruction refers to blockages in the intestines that are not the result of fecal matter.
- twisting of the intestines
- a hernia
- inflammation
- tumors
- adhesions, or scar tissue, from surgery
Obstructions result in a buildup of food, gastric acids, gas, and fluids. As these continue to accumulate, pressure in the bowel increases. This can result in a rupture or split. Whatever was behind the blockage can enter the abdominal cavity and spread bacteria.
Bowel obstructions can vary in severity. Some only partially obstruct the intestines, while others cause complete blockages.
Most bowel obstructions require treatment. Medication and bowel rest may treat mild cases, while surgery is necessary in around
Types of bowel obstructions
Bowel obstructions can vary depending on the severity of the blockage:
- Complete obstructions: Severe bowel obstruction can entirely block part of the intestine. This may stop all solids, liquids, and gases from passing through the digestive system. Someone with a complete obstruction will find passing a stool or gas difficult, if not impossible.
- Partial obstructions: A partial bowel obstruction is typically less severe. These obstructions block some, but not all, of the intestine. This will slow the progress of solids, liquids, and gases through the digestive system but will not stop them entirely. A partial bowel obstruction may cause discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Pseudo-obstruction: Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a
rare condition that causes the symptoms of bowel obstruction without the presence of a blockage. It occurs when muscle or nerve issues prevent the normal movement of food, liquids, and gas through the intestines.
Bowel obstructions can be painful and distressing. Symptoms include:
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- bloating
- constipation
- cramping
- decreased appetite
- inability to pass stools or gas
- severe pain
- abdominal swelling
Vomiting and diarrhea are
If a fever develops after some of these symptoms, it can be a sign of an infection, and a person should consult a doctor.
There are many possible causes of bowel obstruction. They are either mechanical or nonmechanical.
Mechanical obstructions
Mechanical obstructions are physical barriers that prevent or restrict the flow of matter through the bowels. These include:
adhesions , or scar tissue from surgery- a twisted bowel, also called volvulus
- hernias
- intussusception, which is when a segment of the bowel pushes into the next segment, making it collapse
- foreign objects
- gallstones, although this is a
rarer cause of obstruction - inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- tumors
Nonmechanical obstructions
The large and small bowels move in coordinated contractions. If something interrupts this process, a nonmechanical obstruction can occur.
If a doctor can detect and treat the cause, bowel obstruction is usually a short-term issue.
Some people refer to
Causes of nonmechanical bowel obstructions include:
- scarring from abdominal or pelvic surgery
- diabetes
- electrolyte imbalances
- hypothyroidism
- Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition where nerve cells are missing from the end of the bowel
nerve and muscle disorders , such as Parkinson’s disease- severe infection or illness
- general anesthesia
- certain pain relief medications
Some conditions and events increase the risk of a bowel obstruction occurring, such as:
- cancer, especially in the abdomen
- Crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
- previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, which
may increase the risk of adhesions - radiation therapy
Bowel obstructions and age
People of any age may experience full or partial bowel obstructions. However, obstructions can carry additional complications in younger children and older adults.
Bowel obstructions are a
Small bowel obstructions are also a
If severe abdominal pain develops, a person should contact a doctor immediately.
Bowel obstruction can have serious consequences. An individual should seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms of a bowel obstruction.
Diagnosis tends to begin with a physical examination. An obstruction can cause a hard lump in the abdomen, which a doctor may be able to feel. The doctor will also assess a person’s medical history during the initial examination.
A doctor can use a stethoscope to check a person’s bowel activity. A lack of regular bowel sounds or unusually quiet sounds can suggest a bowel obstruction.
Depending on individual cases, a doctor may recommend further tests. These can include:
Treatment for bowel obstruction depends on the cause and how severe the blockage is.
A total mechanical obstruction usually requires surgery. Most cases of bowel obstruction need some form of medical intervention.
Treatment options for bowel obstruction can include:
- Medication: Opioids can lead to constipation. If this occurs, laxatives and stool softeners can help.
- Observation: Doctors will typically observe a person with partial or complete obstructions before considering further options, such as surgery. During this time, the individual should limit their food and drink intake to stop further buildup. Doctors can provide fluid intravenously, meaning directly into the vein, to keep the person hydrated.
- Nasogastric tube: This is a narrow tube that goes up the nose and into the stomach. It removes fluid and gas trapped in the stomach, relieving pressure. This eases pain and vomiting.
- Surgery: Surgeons can remove blocked or damaged sections of the bowel. In cases of IBDs, a strictureplasty may be necessary. Here, a surgeon will widen the narrowed section of the bowel by cutting and sewing.
- Therapeutic enema: A nurse or doctor will push a medication or tap water into the bowel to try to relieve stool impaction, which can happen in severe constipation.
Medication may help ease discomfort due to a bowel obstruction. This can include:
- antinausea medicines to prevent vomiting
- pain relief medication
- antibiotics to fight bacterial infection
People should try to move around when possible and remain hydrated to ensure their electrolytes are balanced.
Those with Crohn’s disease may benefit from steroids.
A bowel obstruction can lead to other issues, such as:
- dehydration
- tissue death in the bowels
- abscess within the abdomen
- kidney failure
- intestinal tears
- pulmonary aspiration
- sepsis
People who have had surgery for obstructions are also at risk of other complications, including:
- abdominal adhesions
bowel paralysis - nerve damage
- short bowel syndrome
- wound reopening
At worst, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death. That is why it is important to treat bowel obstructions as soon as possible.
Simple changes to a person’s diet and lifestyle can help them digest food more easily and lower the impact of bowel obstructions.
To help prevent bowel obstruction, a person can aim to:
- drink plenty of water to remain hydrated
- exercise regularly
- chew their foods well
- eat smaller meals throughout the day
If a person is at risk of bowel obstruction, a doctor may recommend avoiding foods that are high in dietary fiber. Reducing the fiber content in a person’s diet aims to reduce the amount of stool and reduce how often a person may need to empty their bowels.
The following table outlines some foods to eat:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | white bread white rice white pasta white flour cornflour low fiber breakfast cereals |
| Fruit | canned peaches and pears melon peeled and cored apples fruit juice, excluding orange juice |
| Vegetables | potatoes without the skin well cooked squash, carrots, courgette, asparagus, and beetroot |
| Protein | All meant and fish eggs |
| Dairy | milk cheese yogurt without fruit |
A bowel obstruction occurs when something blocks part of the small or the large intestine. It is vital to take this condition seriously and seek immediate medical attention.
Tumors, scar tissue from surgery, and abnormalities in a person’s intestinal development can all cause bowel obstructions.
Bowel obstructions can lead to severe complications. In extreme cases, they can cause intestinal ruptures and be deadly if a person does not receive timely treatment.
Individuals can lower their risk of developing an obstruction by eating well, keeping active, and staying hydrated.
The outlook for a bowel obstruction depends on its cause. In most cases, bowel obstruction is treatable.