Intestinal Obstruction Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
The intestine is a hollow organ found in the stomach, as a place to digest and absorb nutrients from food.
However, when there is a blockage in the intestine, both in the small intestine and the large intestine, food cannot pass and is continued until it reaches the very end of the intestine. This condition is called intestinal obstruction.
Intestinal obstruction that occurs can be partial or partial or as a whole. In partial intestinal obstruction, usually food can still pass through the intestine, even if only a little.
Meanwhile, in total or total intestinal obstruction, food cannot pass through the intestine at all.
Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition that must be treated immediately. Intestinal obstruction that is left unchecked will trigger pressure on the intestine which can cause the intestine to leak.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
- Abdominal pain that comes and goes
- Belly grows
- Bloated stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficult bowel movements
- It’s hard to pass wind
- Loss of appetite
The more severe the obstruction is, the more intense the abdominal pain you will experience.
Intestinal obstruction can also occur in children aged 3 months to 3 years. In addition to the above symptoms, children will cry and whimper because of the pain.
In addition, children can also appear symptoms of fever, greenish-yellow vomiting, to dehydration.
Reason
Here are some causes of intestinal obstruction in infants:
- Congenital abnormalities
- Meconium blockage (stool in newborns)
- Twisted intestines
- Narrowing of the intestine from birth (intestinal atresia)
- Having part of the intestine enter another part of the intestine (intussusception)
In adults, some of the most common causes are:
- There are adhesions in the intestine
- Hernia
- The presence of tumors in the abdominal cavity, such as colon cancer, pancreatic cancer
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the risk of intestinal obstruction are:
- Hernia
- Crohn’s disease —an inflammatory bowel condition
- Abdominal, joint or spinal surgery
- Swallowing foreign bodies
- Decreased blood supply to the small intestine
- Abnormal growth of tissue in or next to the small intestine
- Tumors in the small intestine
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Infection of the lining of the small intestine
- Kidney illness
- Longstanding diabetes
- Gallstones (rare)
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis, the doctor will first conduct a medical interview. If an intestinal obstruction is suspected, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination.
The doctor will check the bowel sounds. Intestinal obstruction is usually characterized by bowel sounds that are louder and more frequent than usual.
Furthermore, supporting examinations will be carried out, such as:
- Blood tests, to determine the possibility of infection, electrolyte levels, liver and kidney function
- X-ray and/or abdominal CT scan to confirm intestinal obstruction and possible causes
- Barium enema test, to see a picture of the intestine by injecting barium fluid into the intestine through the anus
Treatment
Intestinal obstruction is an emergency condition so it must be treated immediately at the hospital. Most cases of intestinal obstruction require surgery to remove the intestinal obstruction.
In addition, it is necessary to install a nasogastric tube, which is a tube that connects the nose to the stomach. The goal is to reduce stomach contents so that people with intestinal obstruction are more comfortable.
Infusion and administration of fluids through blood vessels are also carried out to prevent dehydration, which is prone to occur in conditions like this. If an infection is suspected, antibiotics also need to be given.
Medicines according to symptoms, such as painkillers and nausea and vomiting drugs, can also be given.
Prevention
Intestinal obstruction is not completely preventable. However, to reduce the risk, there are several things you can do, such as:
- Try to increase fiber consumption and reduce consumption of fatty foods to prevent colon cancer
- Avoid the habit of lifting heavy objects to prevent hernias
Complications
If not handled properly, intestinal obstruction can lead to complications, which include:
- Peritonitis
- Jaundice
- Organ damage
- Sepsis
- Bowel perforation
- Death
When to See a Doctor?
Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition that must be treated immediately. Prolonged handling can put pressure on the intestines which can cause leaky gut.
Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as being unable to defecate for more than 3 days, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever, consult a doctor immediately.