A Comprehensive Guide to Intestinal Obstruction: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Related Conditions

Intestinal obstruction is a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a blockage in the small or large intestine. This blockage prevents food and fluids from passing through the digestive tract, which can lead to a number of health problems, including malnutrition, dehydration, and sepsis. If left untreated, intestinal obstruction can be fatal.

A Simple Guide To Intestinal Obstruction, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	480 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	95 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Causes of Intestinal Obstruction

There are many different causes of intestinal obstruction, including:

• Hernias: A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Hernias can occur in the abdomen, groin, or thigh. If a hernia becomes strangulated, it can cut off blood supply to the affected organ or tissue, which can lead to intestinal obstruction.
• Tumors: Tumors can grow in the intestines and block the passage of food and fluids. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• Intussusception: Intussusception occurs when a section of the intestine slides into another section of the intestine, like a telescope. This can block the passage of food and fluids.
• Volvulus: Volvulus occurs when a section of the intestine twists around itself, blocking the passage of food and fluids.
• Adhesions: Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery or injury. Adhesions can block the passage of food and fluids through the intestines.
• Impacted feces: Impacted feces can occur when stool becomes hard and dry, blocking the passage of food and fluids through the intestines.
• Foreign objects: Foreign objects, such as swallowed toys or coins, can block the passage of food and fluids through the intestines.

Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction

The symptoms of intestinal obstruction can vary depending on the cause and location of the blockage. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal distension
• Fever
• Chills

Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of intestinal obstruction, it is important to see a doctor right away. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. Your doctor may also Free Download one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction:

• X-rays: X-rays can show the location and extent of the blockage.
• CT scans: CT scans can provide more detailed images of the intestines and surrounding organs.
• MRI scans: MRI scans can provide even more detailed images of the intestines and surrounding organs.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the intestines. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the intestines and identify the blockage.

Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction

The treatment of intestinal obstruction depends on the cause and location of the blockage. In some cases, the blockage can be removed with a simple procedure, such as an enema or colonoscopy. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage.

If the blockage is caused by a tumor, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary to shrink the tumor and relieve the obstruction.

In addition to treating the blockage, your doctor will also treat any complications that have developed, such as dehydration, malnutrition, or sepsis.

Related Conditions

Intestinal obstruction can be associated with a number of other conditions, including:

• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed. Appendicitis can cause intestinal obstruction if the appendix becomes twisted or blocked.
• Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition in which pouches (diverticula) that form in the walls of the large intestine become inflamed. Diverticulitis can cause intestinal obstruction if the diverticula become infected or perforated.
• Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease can cause intestinal obstruction if the inflammation narrows the intestines.
• Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that only affects the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis can cause intestinal obstruction if the inflammation narrows the large intestine.

Intestinal obstruction is a serious medical condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of intestinal obstruction, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications and improve your chances of a full recovery.

A Simple Guide To Intestinal Obstruction, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	480 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	95 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE