Intestinal Blockage Symptoms

The alternative names for intestinal blockage are Paralytic ileus, Intestinal volvulus, Colonic ileus and Pseudo-obstruction – intestinal. Intestinal blockage is also referred to as a bowel blockage in layman's man’s language. Intestinal blockage symptoms vary depending on exactly where the block is. Before we turn our attention to intestinal blockage symptoms, let's learn more about what is intestinal blockage to be precise.

What are Intestinal Blockage Symptoms
Intestinal blockage is the partial or complete blockage in the intestines, which prevents waste whether fluids, solids or gas, to move smoothly in the intestines. An intestinal blockage can be found either in the small intestine (also referred to as small bowel obstruction) or in large intestine (also referred to as large bowel or colonic obstruction). If the supply of blood is cut off, it is called ischemic bowel or bowel strangulation. This is a severe case of intestinal blockage and needs medical attention immediately.

Intestinal Blockage Symptoms
The symptoms of intestinal blockage depend on whether the blockage is in the large or in the small intestine, however, these symptoms are more or less similar to one another.

• Abdominal Pain: If the intestinal blockage is in the small intestine, it causes cramping abdominal pain. This pain is located around the belly button. In case of continuous severe pain only in one area, it means that blood supply has been cut off to that part of the intestine. Therefore, seek medical help without further delay. If you are experiencing abdominal pain below the belly button, it means there is a blockage in the large intestine. The intensity of the pain will vary, however, severe continuous pain is a sign of hole in the intestine. Again seek medical immediately.
• Diarrhea and Constipation: Depending on the nature of obstruction, you may have diarrhea or constipation, in case of small as well as large intestinal blockage. Constipation coupled with the inability to pass gas is a sign of intestinal obstruction. When the obstruction is partial, you may be able to pass stool and gas. If the obstruction is whole, bowel movement will be completely restricted, if there is stool below the obstruction.
• Bloating: Bloating in the lower abdomen, means blockage in the small intestine. It gives rise to gurgling sounds. Excessive gas and bloating often go hand in hand. In case of a complete blockage, your doctor will be able to hear high pitched sounds with his stethoscope. Decrease in sounds means the bowel movements have also decreased. If you are experiencing pain around your belly button or in the pelvic region, it signifies a colonic blockage.
• Vomiting: Vomiting is not a common symptom in case of large intestinal blockages. In case you do vomit, it will be in the later stage of illness. Small intestinal blockage causes vomiting. If the vomit is green in color it means the obstruction is in the upper part of the small intestine. In case of obstruction in the lower part of the small intestine the vomit is purple in color. This is a very good method to know the location of the blockage.
• Obstructions due to Cancer: If the blockage is caused due to cancer, the stool has blood in it and you will notice weight loss and the loss of appetite, along with other symptoms of intestinal blockage.
• Weakness: If you are feeling fatigued, it can be due to an intestinal blockage. Since there is an obstruction, the body is not able to absorb the vital nutrients required for its functioning. This causes weakness and fatigue.
• Urination Problem: If you notice decreased or no urination, it signals intestinal obstruction. This can result in pressure on the kidneys.
• Abdominal Swelling: Obstruction in the abdomen can cause abdominal swelling. However, not all forms of abdominal swelling are as a result of an intestinal blockage.
• Fever: If you have been harboring an intestinal blockage for a certain duration of time, it can cause fever as well, as more often than not intestinal blockage is accompanied by constipation.
• Abdominal Tenderness: Often it is observed that obstruction of intestines causes abdominal tenderness.

An abdomen CT scan or x-ray would be required to ascertain that the symptoms are indeed intestinal blockage symptoms. If the tests come out to be positive, a tube can be passed through the nose into the intestine to relieve the patient of the blockage. If the tube is unable to relieve the patient, then a surgery might be required.

It is important that you seek medical help, when you notice intestinal blockage symptoms. As there are serious complications of an intestinal blockage, it is important that no time is wasted and you get yourself examined by a physician.