A bowel obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in your small intestine or colon that prevents contents from moving through. An obstruction of the small intestine, or bowel, can cause painful symptoms and serious complications. Walking might be beneficial for managing some conditions that may cause an obstruction, but it is is not advisable to walk if you think you currently have a blockage. Seek medical attention immediately.
General Information
A mechanical obstruction of the small bowel can be caused by adhesions that form after surgery, hernias, tumors, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease, twisting of the intestine, or when part of the intestine folds into another part. A small bowel obstruction can be caused by a paralytic ileus, which is a condition that doesn't involve an actual blockage but occurs when the small intestine doesn't work properly. Symptoms of an obstruction include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, breath odor and abdominal swelling.
Treatment
If you suspect a small bowel obstruction or develop any of the symptoms indicated above, do not walk but seek immediate medical attention. Treatment of a small bowel obstruction depends on the cause. A partial obstruction may require monitoring and stabilization in a hospital to ensure you are able to get foods and fluids. A paralytic ileus may improve on it own or with the administration of certain medications. A complete small bowel obstruction may require surgery to remove the blockage and any part of the intestine that is no longer functioning.
Laparoscopic Surgery
A small bowel obstruction should be treated before you walk. The technique today is to use laparoscopic surgery for a small bowel obstruction, which is less invasive than traditional surgery as it combines smaller incisions with highly technical monitoring devices. One of the benefits of laparoscopic surgery is that you can return to a normal diet and activity level quicker. According to The Ohio State University Medical Center, you will be helped out of bed and into a chair within 24 hours after surgery. By the second day, walking is permitted and encouraged to lessen your risk of blood clots. At home, take short walks initially and gradually increase the distance.
Walking for Crohn's
One of the causes of a small bowel obstruction is Crohn's disease. While you should not walk once you have an obstruction, walking to improve and alleviate Crohn's disease symptoms may be beneficial. According to a study published in the "Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine" in 2007,a low-intensity walking program may improve quality if life in Crohn's patients. Thirty-two adult patients with Crohn's disease were recruited for the study and divided into exercise and nonexercise groups. The exercise group did low-intensity walking three times a week for three months and experienced a significant improvement in quality of life and fewer disease exacerbations.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Intestinal Obstruction; September 2010
- MedlinePlus: Intestinal Obstruction
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Laparoscopic Small Bowel Surgery
- "Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine"; Low-Intensity Exercise Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Crohn's Disease; Wanda Millard M.D., et al; September 2007
