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
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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.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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How long to fast for intestinal obstruction

Intestinal obstruction and the barrier to the passage of intestinal contents can lead to intestinal obstruction, typically characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, cessation of passing gas and stools, and in cases of high intestinal obstruction, it may also involve nausea and vomiting. How long fasting should be continued in the case of intestinal obstruction depends on whether the patient has resumed passing gas and stools, as well as whether symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting have subsided. If the patient's abdominal pain and bloating have mostly subsided, passing gas and stools have resumed, and there is no bloody stool or symptoms of nausea and vomiting, then a gradual reintroduction of a liquid diet can be started. If abdominal pain and bloating do not worsen, and there is passing gas and stools, then a transition to a semi-liquid diet until a normal diet is resumed can be made. Therefore, the duration of fasting for intestinal obstruction should be determined based on the effectiveness of the treatment for the obstruction.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How is intestinal obstruction treated?

Patients with intestinal obstruction primarily receive the following treatments: First, basic treatment, which includes gastrointestinal decompression, where patients need to refrain from eating and drinking, meaning they cannot consume food or water. Additionally, a gastric tube may be inserted. Second, frequent vomiting combined with the prohibition of food and drink can lead to disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base balance, so intravenous fluid supplementation is used to correct these imbalances. Third, appropriate antibiotics are used to prevent infection. Further, in cases of intestinal obstruction, abdominal distension can cause a sensation of bloating in the stomach, and somatostatin may be used to reduce the secretion of gastrointestinal fluids and alleviate abdominal distension. Alongside basic treatment, it’s essential to monitor the abdominal condition to see if it worsens, and surgical intervention should be considered when necessary.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Enema method for intestinal obstruction

Enemas are an effective treatment measure in the management of intestinal obstruction. An enema involves a nurse using an enema bag to introduce about 500 milliliters of soapy water through a rounded-tip catheter into the rectum via the anus. Typically, the catheter is inserted about 30 centimeters deep. The purpose of injecting soapy water into the rectum is to stimulate intestinal peristalsis, leading to the expulsion of intestinal contents. During this process, it is important to avoid damage to the intestinal mucosa and consider the patient's tolerance. Generally, it is preferable to retain the soapy water for an extended period for better results.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to deal with intestinal obstruction?

Patients with intestinal obstruction commonly present with abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool. Treatment for intestinal obstruction primarily includes conservative management and surgical intervention. Conservative treatment firstly involves gastrointestinal decompression, abstaining from food and drink, and, if necessary, the insertion of a gastric tube. The second step is to enhance anti-inflammatory measures to prevent infections within the abdominal cavity. The third step is proactive fluid replenishment to prevent disorders of water and electrolyte balance. Along with aggressive conservative treatment, the patient's overall condition should be monitored. If a pseudo-obstruction occurs, surgical treatment should be actively pursued.