Although their symptoms are quite similar, a colon blockage --- also known as an intestinal obstruction --- and constipation are entirely different conditions. You may feel as if you're experiencing a blockage, but, as long as you can pass stool in some form, you're probably constipated. An intestinal obstruction typically prevents digested food and fluids from passing out of the body. Treatments often used to relieve constipation, including psyllium husk, won't correct a true colon blockage.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is best described as a bulk-forming laxative. It contains soluble and insoluble fiber, making up 66 percent and 34 percent of its content, respectively. Soluble fiber absorbs fluids in the intestinal tract, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool. Together, these two forms of fiber increase the rate of food passage through your digestive tract, thereby helping to relieve constipation.
Obstruction
If you develop an obstruction in your colon, no amount of psyllium husk --- or any other form of fiber, for that matter --- can correct the problem. A true blockage is something that prohibits the passage of stool. Inflammation, scarring, tumors, hernias or impacted feces can all lead to an obstruction. Even something you've ingested can become lodged in the intestinal tract and obstruct the passage of stool, leading to an intestinal blockage.
Symptoms
While the inability to have a bowel movement is one of the common symptoms of an intestinal blockage, it's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal cramping and inability to pass gas. Some people can also experience diarrhea with this condition, so pay attention to your symptoms. Leaving an intestinal blockage untreated can result in infection within the abdominal cavity or tissue death in the portion of the intestines affected by the obstruction.
Treatment
Trying to treat an intestinal blockage with psyllium husk or another dietary fiber may do more harm than good. In fact, most medical professionals recommend a special low-fiber diet when you develop a partial blockage. Instead of relying on fiber, talk to your doctor. He'll first need to stabilize your condition with intravenous fluids, draining urine from the bladder or sucking air and fluid out of the digestive tract that's causing abdominal distension. From there, you may only need to observe a low-fiber diet, which can alleviate stress on the colon. If this fails to improve your condition, or you have a complete obstruction, a surgical procedure will be needed to remove the blockage.
Member Comments