Bowel Blockage Symptoms & Swallowing

Some medical conditions can cause problems with swallowing.

Many people suffer from bowel blockage, otherwise known as bowel obstruction. The condition has many causes, some of which are not serious. However, others should be a cause for concern. For instance, if you experience difficulty swallowing in addition to the symptoms of a bowel obstruction it could indicate a serious problem.

Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia, occurs when muscles in the esophagus fail to work and can happen periodically, usually not signifying a serious condition. However, when it occurs consistently it can be symptomatic of a more serious problem. Dysphagia may also be accompanied by frequent heartburn and a lump in the throat.

Bowel Obstruction

Symptoms of bowel obstruction include pain, a swollen stomach, constipation and cramping that may lead vomiting. There are two types of bowel obstruction: paralytic ileus (in which the muscles of the bowel cease to work properly without any physical cause) and mechanical obstruction (in which the bowel may be literally blocked by an object, such as compacted feces, a tumor or hernia). Gas pains and abdominal distention (having a feeling of fullness and stomach rumblings) are not always symptoms of bowel obstruction but may indicate such a problem.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Experiencing the bowel obstruction and having difficulty swallowing may indicate you are suffering from a problem with your gastrointestinal system, although cancer can also cause these symptoms. If you suffer from both simultaneously, see a doctor immediately, as it could indicate the condition is serious. On the other hand, it could simply indicate that you are suffering from two distinct conditions affecting your bowels and esophagus.

Swallowing Foreign Objects

Swallowing a foreign object may cause bowel obstruction and swallowing difficulties simultaneously. This may not only damage the esophagus and cause difficulty with swallowing, but it can also create a mechanical obstruction. If the blockage is severe and does not pass naturally, surgery may be necessary.

Considerations

If you have difficulty swallowing for more than a few minutes or the symptoms of a bowel obstruction for more than a day, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Having both problems at the same time can be symptomatic of cancer, so a swift diagnosis is important.

References

• Colon Cleaning & Constipation Resource Center: Bowel Obstruction Symptoms
• Baylor University: Gastrointestinal Problems
• Medical University of South Carolina: Digestive Problems
• Mayo Clinic: Difficulty Swallowing