Intestinal obstruction for 3 days without defecation and only ventilation

Intestinal obstruction that results in no bowel movements for 3 days and only ventilation may be due to varying degrees of intestinal obstruction or dysfunction. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible to identify the cause and avoid delaying treatment. Common causes include mechanical obstruction, motility disorders, or inflammatory diseases, and treatment usually involves fasting, medication, and surgery.

1. Possible causes of intestinal obstruction

(1) Mechanical obstruction

Mechanical intestinal obstruction refers to a situation caused by substantial obstruction of the intestinal cavity, including tumors, intestinal adhesions, incarcerated hernias, etc.

-Tumors: Colorectal cancer may be the cause of 10-30% of intestinal obstruction in middle-aged and elderly patients. The enlarged tumor compresses the intestinal lumen, causing difficulty in defecation.

-Adhesions: Intestinal adhesions may occur after surgery or due to chronic inflammation, which can block the normal passage of intestinal contents.

-Incarcerated hernias: Some hernias (such as inguinal hernias) cannot be reduced after entering the intestinal lumen and may also form mechanical obstruction.

(2) Dynamic disorders

Intestinal obstruction may also be due to a disorder in the normal peristalsis of the intestine, known as a motility problem.

- Paralytic ileus: caused by abdominal infection, prolonged bed rest, or certain drugs (such as opioids) that inhibit intestinal motility.

-Spastic obstruction: A transient spasmodic obstruction of the intestine caused by nutritional deficiency, stress, or metabolic disturbances (such as hypocalcemia).

(3) Inflammation and other intestinal pathological changes

Inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis) or acute infectious agents (eg, bacillary dysentery) may also cause intestinal obstruction, particularly if edema or ulcers are severe.

2. Possible treatments for intestinal obstruction

(1) Non-surgical treatment

For some mild to moderate intestinal obstructions, non-surgical treatment can significantly relieve symptoms:

-Fasting and gastrointestinal decompression: Stop eating in time to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest, and at the same time reduce intra-abdominal pressure through a nasogastric tube.

-Medical laxatives or motility-promoting drugs: such as short-term use of laxatives (based on doctor's advice). For motility problems, drugs such as neostigmine that promote motility can be used.

- Anti-infection treatment targeting the cause: If the lesions are caused by inflammatory infection, antibiotics may be used as appropriate.

(2) Surgical treatment

If conservative treatment is ineffective, rapid deterioration occurs, or significant mechanical obstruction is encountered, timely surgical intervention is key.

- Bowel resection or reconstruction: If the tumor is blocking the bowel, the lesion may need to be removed and the bowel reconstructed.

-Herniorrhaphy: Patients with incarcerated hernias can usually have their obstruction relieved by surgical reduction.

-Adhesionectomy: separation of obstruction caused by adhesions.

3. Diet and lifestyle management advice

Even after the obstruction is relieved, attention should be paid to diet and lifestyle adjustments to prevent recurrence:

-Dietary adjustment: Increase the intake of high-fiber foods (such as oats, vegetables) and reduce irritating and greasy foods.

-Regular intestinal examinations: People with a family history of intestinal diseases or those at risk of postoperative adhesions should be followed up regularly.

-Moderate exercise: At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day (such as walking, yoga) can help promote intestinal motility and health.

Intestinal obstruction not only affects daily life, but may also be life-threatening. If you experience symptoms such as no bowel movements and only ventilation, you must seek medical attention in a timely manner. After the cause is determined, follow the doctor's advice for treatment, and strengthen postoperative rehabilitation and dietary management to reduce the risk of recurrence.