What are the symptoms of intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is a word that sounds a bit unsettling. It refers to the situation where the intestinal contents cannot pass through the intestines normally. The symptoms of intestinal obstruction vary, usually including abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and difficulty in defecation. Imagine if the road is blocked and vehicles cannot pass, the same is true for the intestines. When the "traffic" is blocked, a series of uncomfortable symptoms will appear.

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of intestinal obstruction. It usually presents as paroxysmal, colicky pain that may feel like the intestines are "knotted." Bloating is caused by the accumulation of gas and fluid in the intestines, which can feel like having an inflated balloon in the stomach and is very uncomfortable.

Vomiting is also a common symptom of intestinal obstruction, especially in the case of small bowel obstruction. Since the intestinal contents cannot flow down normally, the body tries to expel them through vomiting. This vomiting may have a fecal smell, which is very unpleasant. Difficulty or cessation of bowel movements is also one of the important signs of intestinal obstruction. When the intestines are blocked, stool cannot be discharged normally, resulting in constipation or even complete cessation of bowel movements.

Intestinal obstruction is not only a physical discomfort, it may also cause a series of serious complications. If not treated in time, it may lead to intestinal ischemia, necrosis, and even life-threatening. When the above symptoms occur, it is very important to seek medical attention in time.

In daily life, maintaining a good diet and proper exercise can help prevent intestinal obstruction. For example, increasing dietary fiber intake, staying well hydrated, and exercising regularly can all help maintain good intestinal health.

Although intestinal obstruction is a worrying health problem, we can effectively reduce the risk of its occurrence through timely identification and treatment, as well as daily preventive measures. I hope this article can help you better understand the symptoms of intestinal obstruction and take active preventive measures in your daily life.