What causes intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is caused by the obstruction of intestinal contents. Common causes include mechanical obstruction, dynamic obstruction and vascular obstruction. Treatment methods include drug therapy, surgical treatment and lifestyle adjustment.

1. Mechanical obstruction is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction, usually caused by foreign bodies, tumors or adhesions in the intestine. Foreign bodies in the intestine may be undigested food or swallowed objects, tumors may be benign or malignant, and adhesions may be the result of surgery or inflammation. Treatment of mechanical obstruction usually requires surgery, such as intestinal resection, intestinal anastomosis or adhesion lysis.

2. Dynamic obstruction is caused by weakened or absent intestinal motility, which is common in the elderly or patients who are bedridden for a long time. Dynamic obstruction may be caused by nerve or muscle dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease or diabetic neuropathy. Dynamic obstruction is usually treated with drugs, such as prokinetic drugs, anticholinergics or antibiotics.

3. Vascular obstruction is caused by insufficient blood supply to the intestine, which is common in mesenteric artery embolism or thrombosis. Vascular obstruction may lead to intestinal necrosis and require emergency surgery. Surgical treatment includes intestinal resection, vascular reconstruction or thrombectomy.

Treatment of intestinal obstruction also includes lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary adjustments and exercise. In terms of diet, you should avoid high-fiber, difficult-to-digest foods and choose easily digestible, low-fiber foods, such as rice porridge, noodles, and cooked vegetables. Exercise should be done in moderation, such as walking, yoga, or tai chi, to promote intestinal peristalsis.

The causes of intestinal obstruction are complex and the treatment methods are diverse. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the key. Patients should choose appropriate treatment methods according to their specific circumstances and pay attention to lifestyle adjustments to promote recovery.