10 Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstructions can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, as these blockages in the small or large intestine hinder the body’s ability to properly digest food. Various factors can contribute to this condition, ranging from adhesions or scar tissue remaining after surgery to pre-existing conditions like Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis. Hernias can also lead to the formation of intestinal obstructions. By recognizing the numerous symptoms associated with this issue and seeking prompt treatment, individuals can effectively address and correct these obstructions.

Abdominal Cramps

Intestinal obstruction can often result in stomach pain that feels like a dull ache or cramping sensation. This is the most prevalent symptom of bowel blockages. It’s important to note that while most stomach aches are not serious, if they are indicative of an obstruction, they could be. Keeping an eye on your stomach pain can help you determine its severity. If the aches come and go, there might be a higher chance of an obstruction as opposed to only experiencing a single instance of pain. However, if the discomfort intensifies or is accompanied by a fever, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention.

Constipation

Constipation is a widespread issue that affects individuals for various reasons. Typically, if you pass stool fewer than three times per week, a doctor may likely diagnose you with constipation. It’s essential to pay attention to any changes in your bowel movements, such as a decrease in frequency or difficulty passing stool, as these could be signs of constipation. While diet is often the primary cause, in some rare instances, constipation may result from an intestinal obstruction. As a public health journalist, it’s crucial to raise awareness about these symptoms and encourage readers to seek medical advice when needed.

Loss of Appetite

A persistent lack of appetite that leads to weight loss and malnutrition can be a red flag for a serious health issue, such as an intestinal obstruction. However, this symptom rarely occurs in isolation. People with a bowel obstruction typically experience a combination of no appetite and bloating, which may warrant further investigation.

Bloating

Bloating is often caused by excess gas getting trapped in the muscles of the digestive system. While this is typically harmless, it can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. In cases like food intolerances, your stomach might even appear visibly swollen. Generally, if your stomach feels bloated after eating, it’s likely due to an intolerance. However, if the bloating is accompanied by abdominal cramps or constipation, it could be a sign of an intestinal obstruction.

General Discomfort

Malaise, a general feeling of discomfort or mental unease, often goes hand-in-hand with fatigue and can be an early warning sign that something is amiss. If you suddenly experience overall weakness and a disinterest in your usual activities, it’s important to pay attention. This unexplained lack of energy could be a result of your body not absorbing nutrients properly, possibly due to an intestinal obstruction. Stay aware of your body’s signals and consider seeking medical advice if such symptoms persist.

Difficulty Passing Gas

Belching or passing gas is a normal bodily function. However, if gas doesn’t move smoothly through your system, it may become difficult to release and cause significant pain, especially if there’s a blockage. Trapped wind often accompanies visible bloating or a hard stomach as well. If you’re struggling to pass gas and experiencing other symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor and get evaluated for a potential intestinal obstruction.

Persistent Fullness

Doctors refer to this phenomenon as early satiety – the sensation of feeling full even before eating a meal, or after consuming only a small amount. Persistent fullness might indicate that your digestive system is not functioning properly. Sometimes, early satiety is accompanied by nausea and bloating. This symptom can also result in weight loss, and since there is minimal food to digest, it may lead to constipation and acid reflux.

Nausea

Nausea is another potential symptom of an intestinal obstruction, which can either be acute, causing short-lived discomfort, or a more prolonged condition that becomes debilitating. This uneasy sensation might lead to vomiting, but not always.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can sometimes indicate a partial intestinal blockage, as opposed to constipation, which is often a sign of a full obstruction. In cases of partial blockage, only a portion of the intestines are affected, causing liquid stool to leak around the obstruction since solid stool cannot form properly. This phenomenon, known as “overflow diarrhea,” may persist until the blockage is resolved. A person experiencing overflow diarrhea often feels as though they have not completely emptied their bowels, resulting in ongoing discomfort.

Frequent Vomiting

Vomiting is often one of the earliest indicators of a small intestine obstruction. Typically, the vomit consists of undigested food, as it has nowhere else to go within the digestive system. In most cases, if you’re experiencing vomiting due to a blockage, the volume of vomit will be quite significant. In extremely rare instances, a blockage may even result in fecal vomiting, where the regurgitated material contains traces of stool.