What is intestinal obstruction and what are its symptoms?

Intestinal obstruction is one of the important and potentially dangerous disorders of the digestive system, in which the natural flow of food, liquids and gas in the intestine is stopped or limited. This condition can be caused by various reasons such as abdominal adhesions, tumors, twisting or even hard material accumulation. Intestinal obstruction is not only associated with severe pain and discomfort, but if not treated in time, it can lead to a decrease in blood supply to the intestine and the occurrence of serious complications. Symptoms such as persistent heartache, abnormal bloating, nausea, vomiting and severe constipation are warning signs of this disease that should not be ignored. Recognizing these symptoms and quickly visiting a doctor plays a key role in timely diagnosis and prevention of serious risks. In this article, we examine in detail what intestinal obstruction is and what symptoms it can have. What is intestinal obstruction? **Intestinal obstruction is a condition in which the natural passage of food, liquids and gases along the small intestine or large intestine is completely or partially blocked. This problem makes the contents of the intestine unable to move forward and get stuck in the same area.** Obstruction can be **mechanical**; That is, due to the existence of a physical obstacle such as a tumor, adhesion or twisting of the intestine, or it is **functional (paralyzed)**; It means that the intestine loses its ability to move normally. This disorder is considered one of the gastrointestinal emergencies, because if the treatment is delayed, it can cause a decrease in blood supply to the intestine, rupture or serious infection. For this reason, it is very important to be aware of the nature of intestinal obstruction and to see a doctor quickly in case of symptoms. Cause of intestinal obstruction Intestinal obstruction can be caused by various reasons and is generally divided into two groups, mechanical and functional. In the mechanical type, a physical obstruction such as post-surgical abdominal adhesions, hernia, tumor, intestinal torsion, or hard stool accumulation blocks the intestinal tract. In the functional or paralytic type, the problem is the normal movements of the intestine, and without any obstacle, the intestine loses the ability to move and move food; This condition usually occurs as a result of infections, severe inflammation, certain medications, or after abdominal surgery. - **severe abdominal pain or colic** (periodic cramps) Abnormal bloating and swelling of the abdomen - 🔴 **Frequent nausea and vomiting** - **severe constipation or inability to expel gas** - 🔴 **Anorexia and weight loss** - 🔴 **symptoms of dehydration** (dry mouth, decreased urination, weakness) Intestinal obstruction is a serious disease that stops the normal movement of food and gas in the intestine and is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and constipation. If this problem is neglected, it can have dangerous consequences, so it is very important to diagnose and treat it quickly by a doctor. The most common cause of intestinal obstruction The most important and common cause of intestinal obstruction is **abdominal adhesions**. These adhesions usually occur after abdominal surgeries such as appendicitis, caesarean section, or gallbladder surgery. In fact, a part of the intestine sticks to the wall or other parts of the stomach and the passage of food and gas is closed. After adhesions, **hernias** (intestine stuck in the abdominal wall), **tumors** and **intestinal torsion** are other causes of obstruction, but in most people, the main cause is adhesions after surgery. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction Intestinal obstruction usually occurs suddenly, and its symptoms can range from a simple abdominal discomfort to severe pain and emergency symptoms. These symptoms depend on the location and severity of the obstruction, but most of them are related to the cessation of normal bowel movement and the accumulation of gas and fluid in the abdomen. Early recognition of symptoms is very important, because delay in seeing a doctor can cause dangerous complications. - 🔴 **abdominal pain** (usually severe and wave/colicky) - 🔴 **flatulence and abdominal swelling** - Severe constipation or inability to pass stool and gas Frequent nausea and vomiting - 🔴 Anorexia and feeling full - 🔴 Abnormal sound or complete cessation of bowel sounds - 🔴 **symptoms of dehydration** such as dry mouth, decreased urination or weakness Finally, it should be noted that the symptoms of intestinal obstruction may seem like simple digestive problems at first, but their persistence or severity is a sign of a serious problem. Persistent abdominal pain, unusual bloating, or inability to pass stool and gas should be considered a warning. Going to the doctor quickly can prevent the progression of the disease and the occurrence of dangerous complications. Methods of diagnosing intestinal obstruction To diagnose intestinal obstruction, the doctor first performs a physical examination; At this stage, the abdomen is touched to determine the presence of pain, stiffness or swelling, and the sound of bowel movements is heard with the phone. Sometimes, abnormal sounds or complete cessation of sounds can be a sign of blockage. After the examination, imaging methods and additional tests are usually used: - **Simple abdominal X-ray:** It is one of the first tests and shows the presence of gas and liquids accumulated in the intestine. CT Scan: It is the most accurate method to determine the location, severity and cause of obstruction and helps to detect tumors, adhesions or twists. - **Abdominal ultrasound:** It is especially useful in children and pregnant women, because it is done without radiation and can show the presence of fluids or intestinal swelling. - **Blood test:** Determines changes such as an increase in white blood cells (a sign of infection or inflammation), body dehydration or mixing of solutes and electrolytes. Intestinal obstruction is an emergency digestive problem that, if neglected, can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. Recognizing the symptoms, going to the doctor quickly and performing the appropriate diagnostic methods are the main keys in the successful treatment of this disease. The sooner the treatment is started, the more likely it is to fully recover and avoid dangerous side effects. Treatment of intestinal obstruction The treatment of intestinal obstruction varies depending on the type, severity and cause of its occurrence. In most cases, the main goal is to remove the blockage and prevent dangerous complications such as rupture or intestinal infection. Treatment methods include the following: - 🔸 **Intestinal rest and hospitalization:** The patient is usually kept fasting so that the intestine rests. - Nasogastric tube (NG Tube): Enters the stomach through the nose to remove excess gases and liquids and reduce abdominal pressure. - 🔸 **Injection of fluids and serum:** To compensate for body dehydration and adjust electrolytes. - 🔸 **Drug therapy:** In cases of functional obstruction or paralysis, drugs can stimulate normal bowel movement. - 🔸 **Surgery:** If the mechanical obstruction is not resolved, or if the cause is a hernia, a tumor, or severe twisting of the intestine, surgery is necessary to remove the physical obstruction. Intestinal obstruction is an emergency and treatment should be started quickly. The type of treatment depends on the cause and severity of the obstruction, but the main goal is always to open the intestinal tract, reduce the patient's symptoms and prevent dangerous complications. In many cases, the patient is first admitted to the hospital to be monitored and basic measures such as fasting, removing accumulated fluids and gases, and compensating for body dehydration are performed. If these methods are not enough or if the cause of the blockage is a serious obstruction such as a tumor or torsion, surgery is usually required. Types of intestinal obstruction Intestinal obstruction does not always appear in the same way and has different types depending on the cause and severity of the problem. In some cases, the intestine is closed due to the presence of a physical obstacle, while sometimes the normal movements of the intestine are stopped and obstruction occurs without the presence of an obstacle. Also, obstruction can be complete or partial; It means that the intestinal tract is completely blocked or only a part of it is narrowed. Knowing these types helps doctors choose the right treatment method. **1. Mechanical obstruction**: occurs when a physical barrier closes the intestinal tract. Common causes include adhesions after surgery, hernias, tumors, volvulus, or hard stool accumulation. **2. Functional obstruction (paralysis or ileus):** In this case, there is no physical obstruction, but the normal bowel movements are stopped or very slow. This problem usually occurs after abdominal surgeries, severe infections, certain medications (such as narcotic pain relievers), or neurological disorders. **3. Complete obstruction:** The intestinal tract is completely closed and no food or gas can pass through it. This type is usually accompanied by severe symptoms and an urgent need for treatment. 4. Partial (incomplete) obstruction: The intestinal tract is not completely closed and part of the contents can pass. Its symptoms are milder, but still require medical attention. It is very important to know the types of intestinal obstruction, because each type has different symptoms, severity and treatment methods. For example, mechanical obstruction may require surgery, but functional obstruction is usually managed with medication and hospital care. Also, complete obstruction is a serious emergency, while partial obstruction has more time to investigate and treat. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of the type of obstruction by the doctor is the main key in choosing the best treatment method. Can intestinal obstruction be treated? **Yes, intestinal obstruction can be treated.** The treatment method varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease. In mild cases, the problem is resolved with bowel rest, evacuation of excess gas and fluids, and administration of serum. But if the blockage is caused by factors such as a tumor, hernia, or torsion, **surgery** is usually required. The important thing is that the treatment should be done quickly, because a delay can cause dangerous complications such as rupture or severe infection. Is intestinal obstruction dangerous? **Yes, intestinal obstruction can be very dangerous.** If not diagnosed and treated in time, it may cause reduced blood supply to the intestine, rupture of the wall, severe intra-abdominal infection (peritonitis) and even life-threatening. For this reason, the occurrence of symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe bloating, nausea or long-term constipation should be taken seriously and the person should see a doctor immediately. Home remedies for intestinal obstruction **Intestinal obstruction is not a simple disease, and unlike mild digestive problems such as constipation or bloating, there is no definitive home treatment**. This complication is considered an emergency situation and if not treated in time in the hospital, it can cause intestinal rupture, severe infection and even threaten the patient's life. For this reason, in the event of symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, abnormal bloating, frequent nausea or vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately, and home remedies should not be limited. Is intestinal obstruction cancer? No, intestinal obstruction is not cancer per se, but a complication in which the passageway for food and gas in the intestine is blocked. This problem can have various reasons; including adhesions after abdominal surgery (the most common cause), hernia or intestinal torsion. Of course, sometimes intestinal cancer or abdominal tumors cause obstruction, but not all cases of obstruction are a sign of cancer. To diagnose the exact cause, the doctor usually uses imaging such as a CT scan or colonoscopy. **When should we see a doctor?** Intestinal obstruction is one of the problems that cannot be managed at home and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience symptoms such as **severe and persistent abdominal pain, unusual bloating, frequent nausea and vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas**, you should see a doctor or emergency room without delay. Also, if these symptoms are accompanied by **fever, abnormal weight loss, or blood in stool**, the importance of referral doubles. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent dangerous complications such as rupture or intestinal infection. Summary Intestinal obstruction is one of the most important digestive problems that can be caused by factors such as **abdominal adhesions, hernias, tumors or intestinal torsion**. This disease occurs in different ways, such as **mechanical or functional and complete or partial obstruction** and is associated with symptoms such as **severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and constipation**. Its diagnosis is done by **examination and imaging**, and depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment can vary from **hospital care and medication** to **surgery**. Since intestinal obstruction is an emergency situation, there is no home treatment for it, and **seeing a doctor immediately** is the best way to prevent dangerous and life-threatening complications.