What are the symptoms of intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is a common digestive system disease that prevents the intestinal contents from passing normally, which in turn causes a series of symptoms. Usually, the symptoms of intestinal obstruction can range from mild to severe, and knowing these symptoms can help to identify and treat them early.

One of the most common symptoms is abdominal pain, which usually comes and goes, like cramps as your intestines work to push their contents. You may feel as if your abdomen is tied up, and the pain comes and goes, making it unbearable. Sometimes, this abdominal pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, especially after eating because food cannot pass smoothly through the intestines.

In addition to abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction may also cause bloating and constipation. This bloating can sometimes make the abdomen feel like an inflated balloon and even affect breathing. Constipation is because the intestinal contents cannot pass through, resulting in difficulty in defecation. If it is a complete intestinal obstruction, there may be no bowel movements or gas for several days, and even bowel sounds may disappear.

Some people may experience loss of appetite and weight when they have intestinal obstruction. This is because the intestines cannot absorb nutrients normally and the body does not get enough energy. Long-term malnutrition can lead to weight loss and even affect overall health. Severe intestinal obstruction may cause fever and dehydration, which are warning signs.

If you find yourself or someone around you experiencing these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by severe abdominal pain and vomiting, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If intestinal obstruction is not treated promptly, it may lead to serious complications, such as intestinal perforation or infection, which are very dangerous situations. Doctors usually use physical examinations, imaging tests, and other means to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Although the symptoms of intestinal obstruction are diverse, most of them are related to the dysfunction of the digestive system. Recognizing these symptoms in time and taking appropriate measures can effectively prevent the disease from getting worse and protect our health. I hope everyone will pay more attention to their physical condition in daily life and stay healthy and safe.