Can you fart with intestinal obstruction?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Intestinal obstruction complications

The complications of intestinal obstruction include some common clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool from the anus. The initial symptom in complications is electrolyte imbalance, which is caused by the inability to eat and frequent vomiting. Another issue is the displacement of intestinal flora due to the obstruction, which can lead to infections. This is why it’s essential for patients with intestinal obstruction to actively undergo antibiotic treatment. The most severe complication is that a serious intestinal obstruction can lead to necrosis of the intestine. Based on this necrosis, a patient can develop septic shock or toxic shock, which are life-threatening conditions.

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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.

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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.

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General Surgery
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How is intestinal obstruction diagnosed?

The main clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and cessation of gas and bowel movements from the anus. During the physical examination, tenderness in the abdomen can be observed, as well as hyperactive bowel sounds. Laboratory tests may reveal increased red and white blood cell counts, and electrolyte imbalances. Supplementary examinations, such as abdominal X-ray films, can show dilation of the intestinal tube, air and fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity, and the presence of fluid-air levels. Abdominal ultrasound can also reveal air and fluid accumulation in the intestinal tube. Through the above examinations, intestinal obstruction can be diagnosed.

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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.