An intestinal blockage is a partial or complete obstruction of the small or large intestine. In adults, intestinal blockages usually occur as a result of a mechanical issue, such as the formation of a hernia or tumor. In children, however, the occurrence of several congenital anomalies, which are conditions present at birth, can cause intestinal blockage.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the abdominal contents protrude into the thorax---the portion of the body between the neck and diaphragm---due to a defect in the diaphragm. This condition affects approximately one in 2,200 live births, according to the Merck Manual. When the hernia allows parts of the small or large intestine to protrude, a complete or partial intestinal blockage occurs.
Duodenal Atresia
Duodenal atresia, a condition which occurs in approximately one in 2,500 live births describes a complete intestinal blockage in the duodenum---the first section of the small intestine, according to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The condition usually occurs in infants born prematurely due to incomplete formation of the small intestine.
Duodenal Stenosis
A duodenal stenosis is the partial obstruction of the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. The obstruction occurs due to a narrowing of the lumen which is the opening to the intestine.
Choledochal Cyst
A choledochal cyst is a dilation, or growth, which occurs in the bile duct of the liver. The pressure exerted by the cyst can push on the duodenum, which results in an intestinal blockage. The condition may be discovered during childhood, but often is diagnosed in adulthood, according to Children's Hospital Boston.
Jejunoileal Atresia
A jejunoileal atresia occurs when the middle portion of the small intestine called the jejunum, or the lower portion of the small intestine called the ileum, fails to completely form. In approximately 10 to 15 percent of patients, according to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, a portion of the intestines dies during fetal development.
Malrotation of the Bowel
Malrotation of the bowel occurs when the large intestine fails to form in the correct location during fetal development. During development, the large intestine should rotate counterclockwise with the upper portion, called the cecum, ending in the right lower quadrant, as described by the Merck Manual. If the large intestine fails to rotate, it can end up elsewhere in the abdomen. This results in an obstruction as the fibrous tissue which connects the cecum to the abdominal wall stretches across the duodenum.
Intestinal Duplication
Some children develop tubular structures attached to the intestines, most often near the jejunum or ileum, a condition known as intestinal duplication. These tubular structures have linings which resemble the digestive tract, but can cause intestinal obstructive symptoms that usually manifest during the first or second year of life, according to the Merck Manual.
Hirschsprung's Disease
Hirschsprung's disease causes partial or complete obstruction of the colon, the lower portion of the large intestine. It is a congenital disease affecting the nerves of the colon interfering with peristalsis, the wave-like contractions created by the walls of the intestines to propel food along the digestive tract.
