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Intestinal obstruction
Can you fart with intestinal obstruction?
When the contents of the intestines cannot normally pass through the intestinal tract and be expelled from the body, it is called intestinal obstruction. The main clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and the cessation of bowel movements and gas passage through the anus. Clinically, some cases of partial intestinal obstruction can still pass gas, and some cases of high intestinal obstruction may also allow gas accumulation below the blockage to be expelled through the anus. However, the ability to pass gas does not mean that the patient's condition has improved; continuous treatment and observation are still necessary.
What is intestinal obstruction?
Intestinal obstruction refers to a blockage condition caused by various factors leading to intestinal obstruction, compression, and torsion, which prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents through the intestine. This is collectively referred to as intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction can be divided into three categories based on the cause: first, mechanical intestinal obstruction; second, dynamic intestinal obstruction; and third, vascular intestinal obstruction. The main clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction are abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and cessation of gas and feces from the anus. Clinically, intestinal obstruction can be treated conservatively or surgically.
Is intestinal obstruction dangerous?
Whether intestinal obstruction is dangerous depends on the actual individualized level. If the obstruction has progressed to symptoms of peritonitis, and if intestinal necrosis cannot be ruled out, not performing timely exploratory laparotomy surgery could potentially endanger the patient's life. However, if it is just a mild incomplete obstruction, with signs of passing gas and stools, and the patient’s abdominal symptoms are not pronounced, and related examinations are not concerning, then the risk to the patient might be relatively smaller. Therefore, in such cases, it is not possible to generalize, and decisions need to be made based on the individual situation.
Early symptoms of intestinal obstruction
What are the early symptoms of intestinal obstruction? For intestinal obstruction, the symptoms that appear in the early stages vary depending on the location of the obstruction. If it is a high-level obstruction, the main early symptoms are nausea and vomiting. If it is a low-level obstruction, abdominal distension is more prominent early on, and nausea and vomiting are less common. Additionally, the cause of the obstruction also leads to different symptoms. For instance, if the obstruction is simply due to adhesions in the abdominal cavity, the early symptoms may include poor appetite or nausea and vomiting. If it is caused by tumors in the digestive tract, early symptoms might include abdominal bloating, difficulty defecating, bloody stools, or changes in the characteristics of the stool, among others.
What can you eat with intestinal obstruction?
Intestinal obstruction, as the name implies, is when the contents within the intestines are blocked. Generally, patients are not allowed to eat, but this depends on the progress of the condition and whether there is a need for food or water intake. In some cases of incomplete obstruction, it is possible to consume a small amount of liquid or residue-free diet. However, for cases of obstruction with clear symptoms and severe conditions, patients are not permitted to eat. They might even require gastrointestinal decompression, which involves the insertion of a gastric tube for further treatment.
Does intestinal obstruction expel gas?
Intestinal obstruction typically refers to the inability of the intestinal contents to pass through the intestines and be expelled from the body normally. Common clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of bowel movements and passing gas. However, in some cases, such as partial intestinal obstruction or high intestinal obstruction, gas can still be expelled from the anus below the obstruction site. This means that some intestinal obstructions can still pass gas, but the ability to pass gas does not mean the patient has recovered.
How to diagnose intestinal obstruction?
How to diagnose intestinal obstruction, which is a common acute abdomen condition in surgery. If symptoms such as cessation of passing gas or stools, abdominal pain, and vomiting occur, it may suggest the presence of an intestinal obstruction. The simplest diagnostic method for intestinal obstruction is to perform an upright abdominal plain film to assess the degree of obstruction, based on the presence or absence of fluid levels. Furthermore, identifying the fundamental cause of the obstruction is essential; this can be achieved through enhanced abdominal CT and colonoscopy to make a determination. An abdominal ultrasound can also be performed, which provides a better understanding of the condition of the intestinal obstruction. Using abdominal ultrasound, the presence of effusion can be detected, and by aspirating the effusion, its properties can be analyzed to determine if there is a condition such as bowel necrosis.
How to relieve intestinal obstruction
How to alleviate intestinal obstruction, which means how to treat intestinal obstruction. After the occurrence of intestinal obstruction, it is first important to clarify what intestinal obstruction is. Intestinal obstruction is characterized by cessation of gas and stool passage from the anus, and is usually accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and even fever. If intestinal obstruction occurs, firstly, do not eat or drink, and then carry out appropriate examinations to identify the cause of the obstruction. If it is adhesive obstruction, treatment generally includes fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, anti-inflammatory treatment, fluid replenishment, and enemas as symptomatic treatment measures, trying to keep the treatment as conservative as possible. If the obstruction is caused by a tumor, it is preferable to perform surgery to remove the obstruction based on a clear diagnosis, as this is the only effective treatment.
Principles of Intestinal Obstruction Treatment
In the treatment principles of intestinal obstruction, the basic treatment methods apply to both partial and complete intestinal obstructions. Firstly, gastrointestinal decompression is required based on the situation. Gastrointestinal decompression involves the insertion of a gastric tube, which is determined by whether the patient has symptoms of nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms are prominent, a gastric tube should be placed to drain the stomach contents, thus alleviating the burden and swelling of the intestines and aiding in the treatment of the disease. Another aspect is fluid replenishment and anti-inflammation, as intestinal obstruction will definitely lead to changes in intestinal flora and concurrent infections, making anti-infection measures very important. Fluid replenishment involves administering nutrient solutions to provide nutrition and prevent electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, enemas or traditional Chinese medicine may be used to facilitate intestinal motility. During this treatment process, it is crucial to closely monitor the condition to assess if exploratory surgery is indicated. As the condition can either improve or worsen, close observation is extremely important.
Intestinal Obstruction Nursing Measures
Intestinal obstruction is primarily a disease that requires treatment, which involves fasting from water, gastrointestinal decompression, anti-inflammation treatments, enemas, and sometimes the auxiliary use of traditional Chinese medicine. The nursing measures for this condition build upon these treatments and involve further management of daily activities. Generally, patients with intestinal obstruction must be cautious with their diet to avoid overeating or consuming foods that are hard to digest or that could potentially form obstructions. Secondly, it is important to manage and ensure that patients avoid vigorous exercise, as such activity can lead to the recurrence of intestinal obstruction, especially if there are adhesions within the abdominal cavity.