SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION - WatsonHealth

SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Small bowel obstruction is a medical condition in which something is blocking the small intestines. If your gastrointestinal system goes to a stop, you won’t have the capacity to make a bowel movement or pass gas. You may likewise have stomach upset and a swollen abdomen.

Small bowel obstructions are typically caused by scar tissue. It can also be caused by hernias, lumps, or tumor. It may also happen because of earlier surgical procedures. The bowel may form adhesions or bands of scars after surgery. In extreme cases, the blood supply may be compromised, leading to tissue death.

Small bowel obstruction may give rise to symptoms such as the following:

  • Intermittent pain
  • Stomach distension
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

DIAGNOSIS

Generally, all that is required to diagnose a block of the small bowels is an x-ray of the abdomen.

Other laboratory tests that may be requested include the following:

  • Luminal contrast studies
  • Computed tomography
  • Ultrasound

Once the diagnosis of bowel obstruction is done, the area, seriousness and etiology are to be resolved. Above all, simple and complicated obstruction should be distinguished from one another.

 

TREATMENT

Treatment of small bowel obstruction include the following:

  • Antiemetics for vomiting
  • Analgesics for pain
  • Antibiotics for infection
  • Bowel decompression, which uses a tube into the stomach to decrease pressure
  • Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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