There are many possible causes of bowel obstruction. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, but there are several different kinds of water. If your doctor suspects you have a large-bowel obstruction, he or she may use a colonoscope, a tube that is inserted through the rectum to view the lower intestine. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Nausea. If a doctor is able to detect and treat the cause, the bowel obstruction is usually a short-term issue. Their health impact is controversial. Adhesions also can bind to neighboring loops of intestine, and later tighten, pulling the intestine into an abnormal configuration that limits the flow of intestinal contents. Once the bowel segment has become occluded,gross dilatation of the proximal limb of bowel occurs, resulting in an increased peristalsisof the bowel. Someone with a full obstruction will find passing a stool or gas difficult, if not impossible. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Large bowel obstructions account for about 20% of all intestinal blockages. Hernia — If there is a structural weakness in the muscles and fibers that are part of the wall of the abdomen, a portion of the small intestine may protrude through this weakened area, and appear as a lump under the skin. Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction This rare condition causes symptoms that seem like an intestinal obstruction. Other possible causes of intestinal obstruction include: Treatment for bowel obstruction depends on the cause and how severe the blockage is. These are available to buy over the counter from many stores and online. Obstruction can affect any section of the small or large intestine and can occur near the stomach, close to the anus, or anywhere in between. As a stricture ages and tightens, it can narrow the intestine gradually, eventually causing a blocked colon. Whatever was behind the blockage can enter the abdominal cavity and spread bacteria. Obstructions cause a buildup of food, gastric acids, gas, and fluids. It is especially important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms occur after surgery. As infection heals, scars can form in the intestinal wall, blocking the colon. If a fever develops after some of these symptoms, speak to a doctor. Causes of bowel obstruction include adhesions, hernias, volvulus, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, tumors, diverticulitis, ischemic bowel, tuberculosis and intussusception. Diagnosis tends to begin with a physical examination. Several things can cause a large bowel obstruction, but the most common cause is bowel cancer. This is called diverticulitis. In a mechanical bowel obstruction, the stool is physically blocked from moving through the intestine. Causes of bowel obstruction Common causes of bowel obstruction are intestinal adhesion or colon cancer. Bowel obstruction can have serious consequences. Obstruction not associated with cancer has a very good prognosis, especially in otherwise healthy people. At that point, you will be given sips of fluid. Once the diagnosis is made, a hospital stay is required and may last for several days. Vomiting. These include: Some refer to non-mechanical obstructions as ileus, or paralytic ileus. A lack of regular bowel sounds, or the sounds being unusually quiet, can suggest a bowel obstruction. If not dealt with properly, they can lead to malnutrition, a hernia, infection and even tissue death. A scar that encircles the colon is called a colon stricture. Mechanical obstructions are physical barriers that prevent or restrict the flow of matter through the bowels. Also, a bowel obstruction can be total or partial, depending on whether any intestinal contents can pass through the obstructed area. Other causes include hernias and Crohn's disease, which A tumor may cause a blockage of the intestine. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. Chew all solid foods well. Unformatted text preview: ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: System Disorder STUDENT NAME_____ Intestinal Obstruction DISORDER/DISEASE PROCESS_____ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER__51 _____ Alterations in Health (Diagnosis) Pathophysiology Related to Client Problem Intestinal obstruction can result from mechanical or non-mechanical causes. Causes of non-mechanical bowel obstructions include: Some conditions and events increase the risk of a bowel obstruction occurring. Although SV occurs in the setting of constipation and congenitally elongated colon, among other predisposing conditions, the precipitating factor in …