Bowel obstruction (patient information)

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What is a Bowel obstruction?

a bowel obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel that results in the failure of the intestinal contents to pass through.

What are the symptoms of a Bowel obstruction?

The symptoms of a bowel obstruction include:

• Abdominal distention
• Abdominal fullness, gaseous
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Breath odor
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

What are the causes of a Bowel obstruction?

Obstruction of the bowel may due to:

• A mechanical cause, which simply means something is in the way
• Ileus, a condition in which the bowel doesn't work correctly but there is no structural problem

Paralytic ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction in infants and children. Causes of paralytic ileus may include:

• Chemical, [[electrolyte, or mineral disturbances (such as decreased potassium levels)
• Complications of intra-abdominal surgery
• Decreased blood supply to the abdominal area (mesenteric artery ischemia)
• Injury to the abdominal blood supply
• Intra-abdominal infection
• Kidney or lung disease
• Use of certain medications, especially narcotics

In older children, paralytic ileus may be due to bacterial, viral, or food poisoning (gastroenteritis), which is sometimes associated with secondary peritonitis and appendicitis.

Mechanical causes of a bowel obstruction may include:

• Abnormal tissue growth
• Adhesions or scar tissue that form after surgery
• Foreign bodies (ingested materials that obstruct the intestines)
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Impacted feces
• Intussusception
• Tumors blocking the intestines
• Volvulus

Where to find medical care for a Bowel obstruction

Directions to Hospitals Treating a Bowel obstruction