How to Identify Symptoms of an Intestinal Obstruction
All of us take the process of digestion for granted until something goes wrong, or when 'our plumbing' doesn't work like it's supposed to. Sometimes, we deal with diarrhea or constipation that are more annoying or embarrassing than dangerous or life-threatening. However, an intestinal obstruction may result in several conditions that prove much more serious than the inconvenience of cramps or bouts of diarrhea. Learning to identify the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction may prevent complications such as perforations, dehydration, shock and in some cases, even death. The causes of an intestinal obstruction may be mechanical in nature, or such things as tumors or inflammation or nonmechanical, such as drug use, injuries or complications of surgery or disease processes. Appropriate identification and treatment of intestinal blockage, which may occur in small or large bowels, are vital for health and well being.
Instructions
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Pay attention to abdominal cramping that is not associated with menstrual cycles or that do not resolve themselves within a few hours. While many individuals experience abdominal cramping in association with stomach flu or viruses, abdominal cramping associated with intestinal blockage is often felt without accompanying symptoms.
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Nausea or vomiting often accompany abdominal cramping. A moderate to severe intestinal blockage will often produce vomit that looks like feces, because of the inability of the bowels to excrete excess body wastes. If you notice such vomit, seek help at your nearest emergency facility.
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Watch for signs of weakness or feelings of faintness, which often are the resulting symptoms of dehydration. When the bowel is obstructed, the body is unable to absorb vital liquids and nutrients from the food we eat and drink.
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Be alert for signs of decreased or absent urination or the inability to produce elimination from the body. These symptoms are signs of severe dehydration which may result in damage to kidneys.
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Pay attention to signs of abdominal bloating. We all experience bloating on occasion, but the type of bloating associated with an intestinal blockage is obvious and may also be accompanied by audible noises emitting from the abdomen early on, though during later stages, no sounds are present.
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Look at your bowel movements. Are they hard? Loose? Bowel movements may appear to be diarrhea-like in nature, though only partially formed, as is often the case with an intestinal blockage. Also be alert for signs of bloody mucus or a thick, jelly-like consistency with the bowel movement.
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Tips & Warnings
Eat a diet high in fiber and maintain adequate intake of fluids on a daily basis.
Emergency care is often necessary in cases of intestinal blockage. Dehydration, shock and even death may result if blockage is not treated. If you fear you may have an intestinal blockage, visit your health care provider immediately, or check yourself in to the nearest emergency room for diagnostic tests and treatment.
