This is the condition that presents the complete or the partial obstruction of the bowel which prevents the passage of the food or liquid content through the small or the large intestine. There are several causes of developing the obstruction which can occur as the result of colon cancer, hernias or inflammation of the intestines. Although most of the individuals with the partial obstruction of the bowel can get better, the complete obstruction usually requires surgery.
Causes
This can develop as the result of the mechanical cause or ileus, a condition when the bowel does not function properly. The paralytic ileus is one of the common causes of intestinal obstruction among the children which may be the result of intestinal infections, mineral imbalance, decreased blood supply to the intestines, appendicitis, kidney disease or the use of certain medications. Some of the mechanical causes can include gallstones, hernias, tumors, twisted intestine (volvulus), foreign bodies and scar tissue that develops after the surgery.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of this condition include loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal swelling, constipation, abdominal pain and the inability to have the bowel movement. The severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical care and if left untreated, serious complications can develop from the intestinal obstruction. This can include tissue death from the lack of blood to the intestine, the tissue death can also cause a tear of the intestinal wall and infection of the abdominal cavity.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the intestinal obstruction is based on the medical history of the individual, the symptoms evident and with the physical examination. The abdominal x-rays can usually detect the intestinal obstruction although some types may not be identified. Additional imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT) scan can produce the cross-sectional images which are more detailed than the x-rays. If the intussusception is suspected, this may be evident using the ultrasound that represents the ‘bull’s eye’ showing the coiled intestine. The air or barium enema in some of the cases can determine the presence of intestinal obstruction by producing enhanced images by inserting air or liquid barium into the colon.
Treatment
The treatment of this condition is based on the cause and may require hospitalization. Initially, the individual will be stabilized before the treatment process by inserting the nasogastric tube to remove the air and fluid from the abdomen and by inserting the catheter into the bladder to remove the urine. When intussusception is diagnosed, the barium or air enema procedure can treat the condition without the need for further treatment. In the case of partial obstruction, a low-fiber diet may be recommended, but if the obstruction does not clear, then a surgery may be required to relive the obstruction. The complete obstruction usually requires a surgery and is based on the part of the intestine blocked and that cause of obstruction.
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