How to Know If You Have a Bowel Obstruction

What Is a Bowel Obstruction?

A bowel obstruction, or blockage, occurs when something prevents stool from passing through the intestine in the normal way.

To help explain what's going on in your body, we can use a garden hose as an analogy. If you stand on a garden hose, the water is unable to pass through it. The tap keeps pumping, but the water cannot pass beyond your foot, which is blocking the hose. As the pressure from the tap builds, the portion of the hose before the blockage swells with backed-up water. If you don't step away, the pent-up pressure will eventually cause the hose to break open and start leaking. This is approximately what happens with a bowel obstruction in your body.

What Are the Causes?

A bowel obstruction can be caused in a couple of different ways:

1. Physical obstruction—In the garden hose analogy, this is your foot on the hose. This type of obstruction is usually called a dynamic or mechanical obstruction. This can be caused by scar tissue, a tumor, or by twisting of the intestines.
2. Adynamic obstruction—This occurs when the intestinal, or peristaltic, muscles aren't working properly. Peristalsis is the process that helps move material through the digestive tract. This type of obstruction is also called paralytic ileus, or simply an ileus. This can be caused by a severe electrolyte imbalance, an infection in the bowel, or the manipulation of the intestine during surgery.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any worrying symptoms, do not ignore them! See a doctor immediately. If it is indeed an obstruction, it can very quickly turn into an emergency situation.

Signs and Symptoms

• Swollen stomach
• Cramping and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Distention of the abdomen
• Inability to pass gas
• Dryness of the mouth with a decrease in urine output
• Muscle cramps
• Stoma patients: minimal or no stoma output

In the case of a mechanical (dynamic) blockage, the intestinal muscles still work normally—and in fact, those muscles work even harder to try to push the material past the blockage. These strong muscle contractions, or peristaltic waves, cause increasing cramps and pain as the pressure builds up. As a result, the intestine before the blockage can and will collapse on top of itself. When this happens, the peristaltic waves reverse direction as the bowel tries to empty its contents and relieve some of the pressure. This material then moves up through your system and comes out via vomiting.

Blockages in the large intestine usually occur gradually. By contrast, a blockage in the small intestine can occur quickly and without a lot of warning. However, in both cases, it is important to note that the body's natural balance of minerals, such as sodium and potassium, can quickly become upset, causing rapid dehydration.

The symptoms of an ileus are the same as the mechanical bowel obstruction; however, the abdomen and intestines will sound very quiet because the muscles aren't contracting normally.

There are many causes of bowel obstruction. If you experience any worrying symptoms, do not ignore them! If it is indeed an obstruction, it can very quickly turn into an emergency situation. If your pain becomes severe, you are suffering from vomiting, dehydration, and muscle cramps, and if the symptoms have lasted for more than eight hours, you should seek medical help immediately.

Partial vs. Complete Obstruction

A bowel obstruction can be one of two types:

1. Partial—A partial obstruction is when a small amount of fluid, or some other intestinal contents, can work its way around the blockage. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, and watery output that also has an unpleasant odor. There will also be abdominal distention. Nausea and vomiting will likely be present. Stoma patients may see swelling of the stoma.
2. Complete—A complete obstruction is when nothing can get past the blockage. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Stoma patients will see swelling of the stoma.

What If I Have an Ileostomy or a Colostomy?

It is interesting to note that a bowel obstruction can occur in either the large or the small intestine, which means that people with ileostomies and/or colostomies can also experience a bowel obstruction.

If there is a partial obstruction, in which a small amount of fluid or intestinal contents can work its way around the blockage, you might see some discharge, or mucus-type output, come out of your stoma.

In the case of a complete obstruction, there would be an absence of anything coming out of your stoma.

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What You Should Do If You Suspect a Bowel Obstruction

Dos

• Stop eating solid foods.
• Increase fluid intake.
• Soak in a warm bath to relax the abdominal muscles.
• Massage your abdomen or try putting your knees up against your chest.
• Call your doctor if the pain becomes very severe or if you have symptoms of dehydration, regardless of whether or not the symptoms have not been present for eight hours.
• Have someone drive you to your doctor or the hospital.
• Stoma patients: If your stoma has become swollen, you should remove your pouch and replace it with one that has a large opening for your stoma.

Don'ts

• Don't eat solid food.
• Don't take any laxatives or other medication without consulting with your doctor first.
• If you are vomiting, or if you haven't passed anything through your bowel, don't eat or drink anything at all.
• Don't wait too long before you seek medical intervention.
• Stoma patients: Don't insert anything at all inside the stoma (unless otherwise instructed by a doctor or healthcare professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis often involves an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound of the abdomen to determine the location and source of the obstruction.

Once the condition has been diagnosed, treatment typically includes the following:

• Intravenous therapy in order to replace the fluids and electrolytes you have lost through vomiting.
• Pain relief.
• Sometimes, a nasal tube is inserted in order to relieve built-up pressure in the intestines. This tube may also be used to relieve the source of the blockage.
• In severe cases, surgery may be required.

My Personal Experience

One afternoon I felt quite sick with abdominal cramping. I realized that my ileostomy pouch (bag) had less content in it than it had the last couple of times I'd checked. I also noticed that my stomach looked bigger than usual. I could hear and feel my stomach churning. Occasionally, the churning felt overwhelming, and I experienced some cramps that made me feel very sweaty and nauseous.

As the day progressed, the pain worsened. That night the cramps became even more severe, and I began to vomit. I also realized that by this point, nothing was coming into my pouch at all. I felt quite dreadful, and I wondered what on earth could be wrong with me.

I can honestly say, from my own personal experience with several bowel obstructions, that the sooner you identify the symptoms and seek treatment, the better. When you start to feel that first pain and the distention of your abdomen that usually accompanies it, you should act on it. Any delay in seeking medical treatment could cost you dearly.

I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to see a doctor as soon as they recognize the symptoms of a possible bowel obstruction. Save yourself from experiencing any more pain than necessary!

This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed medical professional. Do not stop or alter your current course of treatment. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

Lisa from Central USA on November 23, 2018:

I am on a new medication called Trulance. I have short bowel and I also have several adhesions so I get frequent blockages, and I do mean frequent like twice a week.

I used to end up in the hospital with an NG tube, 4 days. I have a G-tube as well, because I have gastroparesis, so I have a suction machine that I hook up to my G-tube which helps keep me out of the hospital, but it does not keep the blockages from coming! The trulance has been absolutely a blessing! It is like linzess, but it is less powerful because I could not take linzess

I do still get the blockages, but they don't seem to be as massive as far as vomiting goes. I also continue to take three to four 8 oz cups of hot tea mixed with a capful of miralax.

Tom Esworthy on November 21, 2018:

I have had 5 illiyis in the past ten years and was just released on the 29th day of my hospitalization. Looking for a specialist at Temple University for treatment to avoid my 6th hospitalization

ellen on June 12, 2018:

how do you know when colonic congestion iss getting better

Try using sennacot s daily. I take high dosages of hydrocodone and oxycontin daily and use 2 senna s pills daily. On the days I still have problems passing the stools I feel stuck in there I use an en on March 08, 2018:

Try using sennacot s daily. I take high dosages of hydrocodone and oxycontin daily and use 2 senna s pills daily. On the days I still have problems passing the stools I feel stuck in there I use an enema and it relieves the built up gas as well as the stools. I hope this helps you. Before using this "cocktail" I also had severe constipation which had actually put me in the hospital. Good luck!! C

carol on February 25, 2018:

have been on prescription opiates for 27 years now. this is so frustrating. i strain so hard that my muscles in my back are hurting all the time and swollen. i cannot pass any gas. i can feel pieces of stool inside but none of my muscles seem to work anymore. when using miralax it seems like stool gets too soft to move it. when using a fiber supplement it makes little wads of feces and they just sit all over inside me and dont move either. most of the time laxatives dont work anymore. the amitiza just seems to fill me with mucus but doesnt relieve the situation. i tryed relistor and that started causing problems with all my muscles. facial muscles were twitching, eyes were moving sideways, looked like i was about to have a stroke. i stopped using it and symptoms stopped right away but now cant pass gas again and muscles dont seem to work at all. nobody seems to have an answer for my problem and i cant stand this. have been drinking juices, probiotics, plenty of water too. am really frustrated......anybody out there who uses opiates daily and has found a way to be able to pass stool and gas PLEASE send me some remedies that helped you. HELP ME

Andy on February 01, 2018:

Try a good yogurt every day to get cultures of helpful bacteria in your GI tract. Also if Constipated, tryApple Cider Vinegar, Bragg puts out a good natural product with the “Mother” in it, 1 tablespoon of Honey mixed with the ACV Caution do not boil or excessively heat either the ACV or the yogurt, you will kill the friendly bacteria...Good Luck

Debra Goforth on July 04, 2017:

Hi. I too have experienced several bowel obstructions due to Crohn's Disease. I finally had a bowel resection and have been in remission for 30 years which is very unusual. I want to stress something that you mentioned in your article. If you have a condition that makes you susceptible to obstructions, do not wait before getting treatment. If you have had previous obstructions and know the symptoms, don't let an ER physician try to tell you different. He probably hasn't treated many obstructions, and you know your body better than he does.

Lauren on May 30, 2017:

I really don't think there's anything wrong with me but a few days ago, I started vomiting and had a slight fever. My bowel movement starting to decrease and all that came out was this yellow liquid and occasionally a bit of watery waste. Soon the nausea and fever stopped and I continued with my daily routine but I still could not pass out any stool, which is unusual for me because I usually pass out stool every day. My stomach would randomly rumble at times and I felt very full right after I ate. This must sound stupid because nothing much is happening to me but it still feels suspicious, considering this has never happened before. It's been about a week and there's still no stool, but I'm afraid to get it checked as it might be just be being paranoid. What should I do?

Lisa from Central USA on February 09, 2017:

I live with a partial blockage. Sometimes, I get more of a blockage and let me tell you, I feel like I'm dying. It's the utmost horrible thing in the world. The nausea is RELENTLESS and you can't explain how bad it is.

Don't mean to gross anyone out, but about 80% of the time, I vomit my own feces. I have a G-tube (a tube in my stomach) because I have gastroparesis and I hook a catheter bag to my gtube and let it go into the cath bag. Sometimes it helps and sometimes it don't. It truly is; a Bad deal

Danni on February 01, 2017:

HI

I have been suffering from severe digestive disorder for 5 years now my GI tried to preform a colonoscopy three separate times and overtime i did alleviate with the prep and was not able to be preformed. I am only able to have bowel movement with laxative everyday. About a week ago i started to not have any bowel movement even with laxative and just a little bit of watery stool come out everyday. Sorry for the details. I feel full even after having a sip of water, my stomach is extended and i feel very very week like my body has the flu. I am also retaining about 5 lbs of water feet and legs swollen. Does anyone know what this may be?

Thank you

Lisa from Central USA on January 22, 2017:

Great article! I am suffering with another blockage as we speak. That's how I found your article under miralax and blockage. Having a blockage and vomiting up your own stool is more than a nightmare. The pain and nausea is relentless and until you've had one, you'll never know the true meaning of nausea. I have short bowel syndrome and a lot of scar tissue from several abdominal surgeries. I truly feel for you, I really do. Since I have a gtube, I can Empty the stomach contents into a cath bag and it helps me from vomiting; but the nausea is so overwhelming; truly a nightmare, that I don't want to move. I've had 3 blockages in less than 6!months

Rachel Anne on November 13, 2016:

I just got out of the hospital the other day with a bowel obstruction but I've also have cystic fibrosis. I'm really irritated because I don't feel like getting proper care I was only there for a week but I will get it to them twice after taking a gallon of Golightly and two glasses of Miralax daily. I've been battling this off and on since I was probably 8 months old. they had to load me up with magnesium and potassium in my IV plus antibiotics and I'm still on massive laxatives taking Miralax 3 scoops 3 times a day and I'm becoming to have very bad muscle pain not being able to think right I just want to know if I can get it electrolytes I'm not like I used to after the hospital I feel worse and I'm in a lot of pain I'm desperate I'm so incredibly weak and tired and in pain and no one in my family believes me. I used to come in the hospital feeling so great fantastic I can't even barely move I don't know what's wrong I can't eat without getting sick what should I do

Full of it and fed up with it.. on August 17, 2016:

I am 37 years old.. Female with 8 years of opiate medications. I've had 8 back surgeries, two spinal implants and I have a metal plate in my lower back... Theirs the history that has led to my obstruction. I went to the ER 4 days ago due to severe stomach cramps (I had two children natural) and these cramps were just as bad.. I was told I had ALOT of stool in my colon and intestine. I was kept overnight, placed on IV fluids given milk of magnesia and miralax along with stool softeners and antibiotics.. I insisted on leaving after staying one night due to I could control my pain better at home and could take the same meds they were giving me.. Now I've been home drinking milk of mag, miralsx, and taking colace for 3 days.. I have never had regular bowel movements and when I do go on those rare occasions every other week or so it is hard balls one at a time and I really have to strain to get that..... I have searched and searched the net to find out how can I tell when the obstruction is gone. At this point my stomach is very loud and I'm releasing watery stools. I'm not sure if the blockage has cleared and I'm fine or if all this is simply going around the blockage. Please help me to know if this is cleared up or do I need to continue with the laxatives.. I have not had any solid stool at all.... Thanks in advance for any answers I get. I don't know what to do... Also my abdomen is still swollen I could pass for being about 6 months pregnant.. Sorry in addition my tail bone was broken, healed incorrectly and also blocks my colon according to my doctor who states that's why it's so hard for me to pass stool to begin with... Please help... If you have answers you can email me at hdgreen1635@gmail.com.