Your Cart is Empty
An intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage in the small or large intestine that prevents the normal flow of contents through the intestines. With partial obstruction, some liquid content and gas can pass through the narrowed parts of the intestine, but with complete obstruction, nothing can pass through.
The small and large intestines move digested and digesting food from the stomach to eventually through the rectum. An obstruction along this route can stop this movement and cause partially digested food, gas, and other matter to dam up behind the blockage, with potentially dangerous results.
The condition can be treated and the danger can be averted but you have to be alert to the signs and symptoms and act on them.
Intestinal obstructions are serious – you just know something is afoot when you experience some of the following symptoms:
No, the two conditions are related but they are not the same. Intestinal bowel obstruction causes a complete or partial blockage, preventing the normal flow of food, fluids, and gas through the intestine.
Intestinal stenosis is the narrowing of the inside space of the intestine, resulting from factors such as scar tissue, a birth defect, or inflammation such as that caused by Crohn’s disease. The flow of contents is not blocked, it's just limited. However, intestinal stenosis can lead to a bowel obstruction.
There are three main causes of intestinal obstruction –90% of cases are the result of adhesions (scar tissue), hernias, and tumors.
Of these, adhesion accounts for most (55–75%) of the cases. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form between organs and tissues in the body after an operation or as a result of infection, or inflammation.
See Also: What Foods To Eat To Prevent Risk of Cancer?
Other causes include volvulus (twisting of the intestine), diverticular disease, widespread cancer, endometriosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Intestinal obstruction is not a condition that a layperson can accurately diagnose at home by interpreting symptoms. So, only a qualified medical professional can properly diagnose you.
Apart from a thorough physical examination, the following diagnostic tools are necessary to confirm the presence of an obstruction.
Generally, partial bowel obstructions can but complete obstructions cannot.
In other words, people with complete bowel obstructions require immediate medical intervention or surgery. However, people with partial bowel obstructions can be stabilized with appropriate treatments such as fasting, fluid therapy, and medications.
Partial obstructions don't normally require surgery but there are some cases where surgical procedures are needed.
There are surgical and non-surgical treatments for intestinal obstruction. These may include:
Sometimes patients may need acolostomy or ileostomy. This procedure involves taking out the damaged part of the intestine, sewing the healthy part to an opening in the body, and attaching a disposable bag for the collection of waste matter.
Most bowel obstructions are treated in the hospital but you can take action to manage the condition. Here are a few things that you can do:
Under normal circumstances, a diet high in fiber is essential for gut health. But if your intestine is blocked or narrowed, a diet low in fiber is best. In Particular, insoluble fiber should be avoided. Insoluble fiber is the tough part of plants that doesn't break down completely during digestion.
In addition, a low-fiber diet reduces the amount of waste that's produced, and thus how often it's necessary to pass a stool.
People with intestinal obstruction may be better off following a low-fiber diet consisting of the following foods:
To make it easier for food to get digested and move through the intestine, cut your food into small pieces, cook it well, chew it properly, and drink plenty of water. You can also liquidize your food for smoothies and soups.
See Also: Practical Tips to Up Your Water Game!
Foods high in roughage are not suitable if you have an intestinal obstruction. Avoid the following foods:
In addition to following a low-fiber diet, certain lifestyle habits can help you manage the condition and reduce its impact, including:
A low-fiber diet is restrictive, may be poor in nutrients, and lead to constipation. To combat these factors, take care to eat a variety of low-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. Depending on how long you need to be on the diet, you may need to take a supplement.
Consult your doctor about the best nutritional supplement.
See Also: Dietitian-Backed Tips That Can Help You Lose Weight Fast!
The use of laxatives isnot promoted for people with intestinal obstruction disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, laxatives can bedangerous for constipation caused by a bowel blockage.
Stool softeners, which have a more gentle effect may be prescribed for some people with bowel obstruction. These medications help soften the stool, making it easier to pass.
Don't buy over-the-counter stool softeners. Consult your doctor and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Doctors advise a low-fiber diet for bowel obstruction. Food that contains insoluble fiber should be avoided if you have been diagnosed with bowel obstruction. Insoluble plant matter like peels, seeds, and stringy fibers cannot be digested by the body. They absorb water and make stools bulky which may be difficult to pass.
Avoid food with high insoluble fiber content while your bowels have not completely recovered.
Yes, drinking water helps with bowel obstruction. Doctors advise drinking plenty of water, up toeight glasses. Drinking plenty of water can help with bowel movements and will prevent dehydration.
Yes, yogurt is nutritious and has no fiber. If you can tolerate dairy, yogurt is a good option to include in your diet.
To give your bowels a rest, you can stop eating and only drink fluids. It is best not to do this without your doctor's input. Your doctor will advise you on what liquids to drink and may even prescribe a nutrient-dense liquid supplement to ensure you get all the nutrients you would normally get from the food you eat.
A bowel obstruction can be complete or partial. A complete bowel blockage requires hospitalization and can't be treated at home. It is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. Causes include tumors, surgical scar tissue, hernias, and tumors.
Partial blockages, on the other hand, are less severe and can clear up with proper treatment.
To manage the condition and prevent future blockages, you can eat a low-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and stay active. Once the condition has cleared up, it's essential to gradually introduce high-fiber foods to ensure regular bowel movements and promote digestive health.
Also Read