An intestinal blockage or obstruction is the condition in which something prevents food and water from progressing through the digestive tract. The cause of an intestinal blockage can be either a mechanical obstruction (something physically in the colon or small intestine that does not allow matter to pass through) or it can be a malfunctioning of the movement of the intestines. The abnormal movement of the intestines is called paralytic ileus. Although there is no physical obstruction of the digestive tract with paralytic ileus, the symptoms are the same as a blockage.
Abdominal Distention
Abdominal distention is the term for the swelling of the abdomen and can be a sign of an intestinal blockage. Air, gas, stomach secretions and fecal matter may all accumulate in the digestive tract when there is a blockage. When the release or excretion of these substances are obstructed, the abdominal region swells.
Change in Bowel Habits
People who have an intestinal blockage often experience a change in bowel habits, according to the Mayo Clinic. Diarrhea is a symptom associated with many different intestinal disorders and may exist with an intestinal obstruction. People may feel a sudden urge to defecate or, conversely, may not be able to move their bowels or pass gas at all.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting may be a sign of intestinal obstruction. The Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates explain that vomiting often occurs because waste cannot move forward through the digestive system, so sometimes it comes back up in the other direction. People who suffer from a form of obstruction of the small colon called intussusception may vomit bile as well as other contents of the stomach.
Pain
Pain may be a sign of an intestinal blockage and can manifest itself in a few different ways. Stomach cramping is a common symptom of an obstruction but may not be consistent. The discomfort may be intermittent rather than a constant discomfort. Physical examination of the stomach may reveal that the area is tender to the touch.
Abnormal Tissue
Internal signs that accompany an intestinal blockage include abnormalities of the tissues inside the colon. Tissue may die, a condition called necrosis, due to a lack of block supply to an area of intestine. Scar tissue, tumors or other growths may also be both a cause and a symptom of bowel obstruction, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
