Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on November 24, 2024
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For symptoms of intestinal obstruction, the typical manifestations are abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool. Most people may experience several of these symptoms; however, the severity of the symptoms depends on the location and condition of the obstruction. Once symptoms of intestinal obstruction occur, it is necessary to refrain from eating and then carry out appropriate examinations. Identifying the cause of the obstruction is crucial. If the obstruction is caused by tumor-related factors, surgical treatment should be considered based on a comprehensive assessment. If the obstruction is due to adhesions, conservative treatment methods should be adopted where possible.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

For symptoms of intestinal obstruction, the typical manifestations are abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool. Most people may experience several of these symptoms; however, the severity of the symptoms depends on the location and condition of the obstruction. Once symptoms of intestinal obstruction occur, it is necessary to refrain from eating and then carry out appropriate examinations. Identifying the cause of the obstruction is crucial. If the obstruction is caused by tumor-related factors, surgical treatment should be considered based on a comprehensive assessment. If the obstruction is due to adhesions, conservative treatment methods should be adopted where possible.

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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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Is intestinal obstruction serious?

When the contents of the intestine cannot be normally expelled through the intestinal tract, it is called intestinal obstruction. Its clinical manifestations mainly include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, cessation of defecation and flatulence from the anus. The treatment of intestinal obstruction mainly includes conservative treatment and surgical treatment, with the vast majority of patients receiving conservative treatment. This includes gastrointestinal decompression, abstinence from drinking and eating, enhanced anti-inflammatory therapy, and maintenance of electrolyte balance. Only a small portion of patients require surgical treatment. After treatment, the vast majority of patients with intestinal obstruction can recover normally, which means that intestinal obstruction is not a very serious illness.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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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.