Normal digestion of food requires that food particles travel through the intestines for at least 25 feet. Digestion wastes circulate continuously during digestion. Obstacles in the gastrointestinal tract can stop this from happening. A blockage of the large intestine or small intestine can cause intestinal obstruction. Fluids and digested food cannot pass through the blockage, which can be partial or total.
A blockage in the intestinal tract known as a bowel obstruction will accumulate things behind it. Among these substances are food, fluids, stomach acids, and gases. An abdominal bleed can result from excessive pressure in your intestines, allowing harmful bacteria and contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. Life-threatening injuries could result. Several different factors can cause irrigation. Unfortunately, it is a condition that is often unavoidable. Irregularity can be fatal without treatment.
Bowel Obstructions Symptoms
A blockage of the intestinal tract will manifest differently depending on its severity. However, it usually comes with stomach pains and cramping around your belly button. There are also signs of constipation, difficulty passing gas, lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting, a hard, swollen belly, and diarrhoea (partial obstruction).
Most people with bowel obstructions are older and have other severe medical conditions, so they may risk dying. A hospital stay is most likely your best option.
Causes of Bowel Obstructions
All ages are susceptible to small bowel obstruction. Common bowel obstruction causes and risk factors are given below:
After abdominal or pelvic surgery, adhesive bands of scar tissue may form. Small bowel obstruction is the most common bowel obstruction cause of prior abdominal surgery in the United States.
- A weak section of the abdominal wall may allow segments of the intestine to break through.
- It does so by causing a bulge where the bowel is susceptible to obstruction if it is trapped or tightly pinched in the place where it pokes through the abdominal wall.
- Small intestinal obstructions in the United States are caused most commonly by hernias.
Diseases of the intestine, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis, can cause inflammation. Fistulas are abnormal openings in the bowel that sometimes narrow or narrow again.
Malignant (cancerous) tumours cause a small percentage of all small intestine obstructions. Small intestinal tumours usually do not originate in the small bowel but spread from the colon, female reproductive organs, breasts, lungs, or skin.
Treatment of Bowel Obstructions
There is no standard treatment for bowel obstruction, depending on the location and severity. The problem should not be treated at home. There are several types of Bowel obstruction in the intestine.
- If the obstruction is partial or ileus is present, intravenous fluids may be administered to rest the bowels and treat the block.
- Bowel rest means you will only be given clear liquids or nothing to eat during that time.
- Your doctor will also treat the obstruction if he knows what caused it.
- Make sure you stay hydrated.
- Depending on the severity of your electrolyte imbalance, your doctor may administer IV fluids.
- If necessary, your doctor may drain your bladder by inserting a catheter.
Tubes can be inserted through your nose into your stomach, intestines, and throat to relieve pressure, swelling, and vomiting. You may need medication to reduce the effect of narcotic pain medications on your bowels if you are using narcotic pain medications.
Bowel Obstruction in Children
An intestinal Bowel obstruction called intussusception can be dangerous. Now let’s look at what causes a bowel obstruction in a child. During this condition, parts of the intestine come together. As a result, they fold into themselves like a telescope. They become blocked or obstructed. A digestive food cannot pass through the intestine while digested.
A child’s intestinal blockage is most likely caused by intussusception between three months and three years. Newborns are rarely affected. Adults, teens, and older children can also be affected.
Until properly treated, intussusception can be fatal. Children are most likely to experience this complication during childhood. Without treatment, the infection could result. The cause of intussusception has not yet been identified. Those with a family history of the disorder are more likely to suffer from it.
Several cases have been linked to other conditions, according to experts.
- Examples include a viral infection, tumours or masses in the abdomen or intestines, appendicitis, parasites, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Medical emergencies include intussusception. Consider taking your child to the doctor as soon as possible if you suspect they may have the disorder.
The symptoms will vary with each child.
- Loud crying is one of the most common signs.
- It is common for belly pain to occur. Colic may appear at first to be the cause.
- A child or infant may strain, lift their knees, act very irritable, and scream. However, your child may become playful and feel better between pain episodes.
- Alternatively, your child may become tired from crying and weak. This is all about what causes a bowel obstruction in a child.
Conclusion
Preventing faecal impaction of the colon involves preventing constipation. Even though some diseases and medications make constipation unavoidable, small lifestyle changes can help. The following tips may help:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Besides prune juice, coffee, and tea, other fluids that act as natural laxatives include prune juice, coffee, and tea.
- Consume plenty of fibrous foods like whole wheat, peas, oats, and vegetables.
- Constipation can be caused by sugary foods, which are high in sugar.
- Maintaining a healthy digestive system can be achieved by exercising regularly.